Orzo makes a quick alternative to risotto, no stirring for half an hour! The starch from the pasta makes a creamy sauce without the cream. Orzo is also great to use in a vegetable soup.

Even better than a simple riff? Making it into soup. Developer Michelle McGlinn shares a recipe for Italian sausage and orzo soup that is altogether warming, creamy, and ever-so-slightly spicy.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Greek lemon ...