Orzo Pasta

If ever you need to differentiate for yourself-or explain the difference to a contrary dinner-goer-just remember: Rice is rice, while orzo is rice-shaped pasta. Orzo is usually made from white flour, though it can be made from whole-grain flour.

In Italy, orzo is classified as pastina or "little pasta," which is a category of small, shaped pastas. Orzo is typically used in soups in Italian cuisine, but you can use it in any number of pasta dishes, soups, grain bowls, and other places where a petite, toothsome pasta can come in handy.