If you’re tired of the same old rice or mashed potatoes, Red Lobster Orzo Rice Recipe is a delightful surprise. This underrated side dish takes tiny pasta pearls and transforms them into something magical – cooked in a savory broth until each bite is infused with garlicky, buttery goodness. It’s the kind of side that makes you pause between bites of your main course just to appreciate how good it is.
What’s so special about it? That quintessential al dente texture – not soft, not hard – with the perfect creaminess. It goes great with anything from lemon-butter shrimp to cedar-plank salmon, bringing a comfort, almost risotto-like feel to your dish.
A word to the wise: as orzo is pasta (and not rice), it’s not gluten-free. But if that doesn’t worry you, this dish is a must-try hidden gem on the menu. Pro tip: Order an extra sprinkle of parsley on top – trust us, it makes all the difference!
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Pasta-based side dish (orzo cooked like rice) |
| Flavor Profile | Buttery, garlicky, slightly creamy |
| Texture | Tender yet slightly chewy (al dente) |
| Best Paired With | Grilled seafood, shrimp scampi, lobster tails |
| Gluten-Free? | ❌ No (orzo contains wheat) |
| Vegetarian? | ✅ Yes (unless prepared with chicken/meat broth—check with server) |
| Portion Size | Standard side dish (approx. 1 cup serving) |
| Price Range | Typically 3.99–3.99–4.99 as a side (varies by location) |
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Recipe
Let’s get real – when you’re visiting Red Lobster, chances are you’re fantasizing about warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits or lobster tails smothered in butter. But there’s a hidden star on the menu: their Orzo Rice. This easy but delightful side dish takes run-of-the-mill orzo pasta and makes it something spectacular with garlic, butter, and seasoned flavor.
What makes it so good? The consistency is perfect – not too soft, not too firm – with every small pasta pearl absorbing all that great flavor. It’s the ultimate accompaniment to seafood, providing substance without overwhelming your course. I adore how it’s creamy but doesn’t leave you feeling heavy, so a terrific alternative to mashed potatoes if you want a change.
Although we don’t have the recipe from the specific restaurant (they don’t let that out!), home cooks can easily make their own version of the magic with some simple ingredients. Just an FYI – because orzo is pasta, this isn’t gluten-free. But if that’s not a problem, this dish is absolutely worth trying out (or cooking at home!).
Pro tip from a seafood enthusiast: Squeeze a bit of lemon over your orzo rice – it brings out all those rich flavors so nicely!
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Ingredients & Requirements
You know that tasty orzo rice that tends to vanish first from your Red Lobster plate? I have the secret. It begins with those small, rice-shaped pearl pasta pieces somehow absorbing flavor like little sponges. They’re cooked up in a meaty broth (chicken or maybe veggie) until each mouthful is full of depth of flavor.
The true stars of the performance? Garlic and butter – and lots of each. They build that undeniable base flavor that has you running back for “just one more bite.” A nice sprinkle of Parmesan melts beautifully in, bringing a creamy richness that borders on the sinful. The simple wizardry of salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (we’re assuming parsley is involved) follows to cut the richness.
While Red Lobster chefs aren’t revealing their proprietary recipe, we’ve found that the best homemade version usually involves a glug of olive oil to maintain silky consistency and a splash of white wine to provide that added “what’s that incredible flavor?” element. It’s incredible the way these normal ingredients come together to make something that goes so well with seafood – making it a heck of a lot more interesting than regular rice, but never overshadowing your lobster or shrimp.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Orzo Pasta | Base of the dish (rice-shaped for unique texture) | Mild, nutty wheat flavor |
| Chicken/Vegetable Broth | Cooking liquid for depth of flavor | Savory, umami richness |
| Butter | Flavor foundation | Creamy, rich mouthfeel |
| Garlic | Aromatic base | Pungent, earthy sweetness |
| Parmesan Cheese | Optional creamy element (in copycat recipes) | Salty, nutty umami boost |
| Olive Oil | Prevents sticking/adds silkiness | Subtle fruity notes |
| White Wine | Optional complexity booster | Bright acidity, depth |
| Salt & Black Pepper | Essential seasoning | Enhances all flavors |
| Italian Herbs (Parsley) | Fresh finishing touch | Bright, herbal freshness |
How to make Red Lobster Orzo Rice Recipe at Home
Craving that rich, garlicky Red Lobster orzo rice? Bring restaurant taste to your own home with this easy copycat recipe. Using simple ingredients like orzo pasta, garlic, butter, and broth, this dish creates an indulgent, savory side that pairs well with seafood stars like shrimp scampi or grilled fish.
The orzo is first toasted for a nutty base, and then simmered in broth until tender and seasoned. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley add creaminess and freshness, and optional white wine and lemon zest bring brightness. Whether you’re serving a seafood dinner or just want a comforting side dish, this homemade orzo rice is quick, satisfying, and restaurant-worthy.
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Ingredients with Amount:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: splash of white wine (about 2 tbsp) and lemon zest for brightness
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Step by Step Instructions :
Below is the complete step by step guide to make tasty and delicious Red Lobster Orzo Rice recipe :
Toast the Orzo
- In a medium saucepan, firstly heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the orzo pasta and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring all the time, until lightly colored.
Add Garlic
- Add in the minced garlic and cook a further 30 seconds, only until it emits an aroma. Don’t allow it to burn.
Deglaze (Optional)
- If being used, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute until the liquid has slightly reduced.
Simmer the Orzo
- Include chicken or vegetable broth. Stir, bring to boiling, and lower heat to low.
- Cover, simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring every so often, until orzo is tender and liquid is virtually all absorbed.
Add Creaminess
- Stir in remaining 1 tbsp of butter and Parmesan cheese until meltedand creamy.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of lemon zest if desired. Serve hot over grilled fish or shrimp scampi.
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Calories
Come on – when you’re dining at Red Lobster, you’re not really keeping track of calories. But if you want to know about that yummy orzo rice, here’s the lowdown. A generous portion (imagine a cup) will cost you 250-300 calories – not calorie-busting, but not really light either. That’s mostly due to the pasta itself and all that heavenly butter they cook it in.
Compared to the other sides? It’s wiser than fries or loaded mashed potatoes but heavier than steamed vegetables. The best news? That decadent, garlicky taste will likely keep you full without needing to wolf down the entire bowl.
If you’re careful when it comes to your calories, serve it with grilled fish or shrimp to keep things in check. Or just go for it guilt-free – life’s too short to miss out on the good bits at a seafood celebration!
| Nutrition Facts | Orzo Rice (1 cup) | Mashed Potatoes (1 cup) | French Fries (1 cup) | Steamed Broccoli (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 | 320-380 | 400-450 | 50-60 |
| Main Calorie Sources | Carbs + Fats | Carbs + Dairy | Carbs + Oil | Fiber + Vitamins |
| Fat Content | 8-12g | 12-15g | 18-22g | 0.5g |
| Best For | Flavor balance | Comfort food craving | Indulgence | Light meal pairing |
| Diet Hack | Share as a side | Skip extra gravy | Choose small portion | Add lemon for flavor |
Pro tip: Order it with less butter if you wish to cut a few calories but not flavor.
Red Lobster Orzo Rice Review
Red Lobster’s Orzo Rice is a tasty side that’s developed a devoted following—and deservedly so. The rice-shaped pasta is cooked to a soft yet firm bite and is tossed in a rich mixture of garlic, butter, herbs, and a dash of Parmesan. The result is a rich, meaty dish that’s comforting and goes wonderfully with seafood staples such as shrimp or lobster.
Although it’s not gluten-free (because orzo is wheat-based), it is a good solid vegetarian choice and can be dressed up easily with added veggies or protein. With about 200–300 calories per serving, it’s a lighter option compared to richer, fried sides—but still fills those cravings for something rich and filling.
Some diners have noted that the seasoning or texture can vary a bit depending on the location, but overall, it’s a reliable go-to. If you’re tempted to try it at home, there are plenty of copycat recipes out there—many with clever additions like lemon zest or a splash of white wine to bring out more flavor.
Final Verdict: Red Lobster’s Orzo Rice is a hearty, warm take on sides—the ideal choice for anyone wanting a tasty, pasta-based side dish to accompany their seafood entree.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Red Lobster Orzo Rice?
Red Lobster Orzo Rice is a warm, comforting side dish made with orzo—pasta that looks like rice. It’s cooked up with garlic, butter, herbs, and sometimes a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. It’s rich, creamy, and the perfect match for seafood like shrimp or lobster.
2.What’s in Red Lobster Orzo Rice?
Red Lobster‘s orzo rice is a tasty, warm side dish composed of orzo pasta, sautéed onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and parsley. It is frequently topped with Parmesan cheese, olive oil or butter, and flavored with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to provide a rich, comforting accompaniment.
3.Can I Make Red Lobster Orzo Rice at Home?
4. How Many Calories Is Red Lobster Orzo Rice?
A standard serving of Red Lobster Orzo Rice weighs in at approximately 310 calories. It’s certainly one of the lower sides when you compare it to fried foods, and it still satisfies and fills you up.
5. Is Red Lobster Orzo Rice Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, no. Orzo is a type of pasta made from wheat, so this dish isn’t gluten-free. If you’re avoiding gluten, you’ll want to skip this one or make a version at home with gluten-free pasta.
6. Is Red Lobster Orzo Rice Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, it can! Provided it’s prepared using vegetable broth and not meat, it’s a good vegetarian alternative. Just remember that it probably contains dairy such as butter and cheese, so it’s not vegan per se
7. What Do People Say About It?
Most people love it! It’s renowned for being creamy, flavorful, and comforting. Diners mention that it complements seafood well. Some feedback indicates that seasoning or texture could be somewhat inconstant depending on the eatery, but all in all, it gets a thumbs up.
8. Can I Personalize Red Lobster Orzo Rice?
Yes! If you’re making it at home, you can be creative—add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken. For a little zing, lemon zest and white wine are good to add. It’s a simple dish to play around with and make your own.