The 99-Cent Trader Joe's Find I Use All the Time

To me, few things are as fun as trying new pasta shapes and orzo was one of the first I had in my adult cooking journey that I didn't eat growing up. This rice lookalike has since become one of my favorite pastas thanks to its creamy, smooth texture that sets it apart from other grains and pastas.

Over the years of loving orzo, I’ve tried a handful of different brands in pursuit of finding the tastiest (and most affordable) variety, and Trader Joe’s Orzo Italian Pasta is the best of the best. 

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Orzo Italian Pasta

Once cooked to al dente, Trader Joe’s orzo offers that toothsome bite I love from well-cooked pasta and the mild, slightly nutty flavor unique to orzo. Made from 100 percent durum semolina flour and imported from Italy, this tiny pasta is delightfully delicious on its own or paired with any variety of sauces, herbs, spices, veggies, or cheeses.

But one of the most impressive aspects of this TJ’s find is its price. For 99 cents, one bag can easily feed a massive crowd of at least eight to 10 people since orzo cooks up to a surprisingly large volume, making it an incredible value.

How I Use Trader Joe’s Orzo

My culinary creativity really runs wild with this blank canvas. In winter, I love pairing it with hearty pasta sauces and adding it to soups like minestrone, Italian wedding, hearty vegetable, and lemony chicken.

However, I most often reach for this shape in spring and summer, when it shines in some of my favorite seasonal dishes. It’s the foundation of my famous pasta primavera full of spring veggies like asparagus, zucchini, basil, spinach, onions, and bell peppers.

During the dog days of summer, orzo is perfect in cold pasta salads. One of my go-to recipes is a Greek spin with tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, cucumbers, feta, red onion, and roasted red peppers. I’ve also used it in a Caprese-inspired take, featuring fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, and a hefty drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

“Orzotto” (think risotto but with orzo instead of rice) is another fun orzo-centered dish I love to whip up. Some of my favorite flavor combos include carbonara, broccoli cheddar, spicy tomato with lobster, and classic pea, lemon, and mushroom. I’ve even toasted orzo with broken-up spaghetti to create a super satisfying, flavorful take on pilaf.

So whether you’re a longtime orzo lover like me or have never tried the pasta shape before, head to your nearest TJ’s to give this impressive pantry staple a try.

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