Start by bringing water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. It’s important to use a good-sized pot so that the orzo has enough room to cook evenly.
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add salt to the pot. This seasoning is vital as it helps to flavor the orzo while it cooks.
Next, add the orzo pasta into the boiling water. Stir it occasionally to ensure that it doesn’t stick together. You'll notice the orzo begin to absorb the water and expand.
Cook the orzo for about 10 minutes. You want it to reach an al dente texture, which means it should be firm to the bite. Stir it occasionally to prevent any sticking on the bottom of the pot.
When the orzo is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander. If you don't plan to use it right away, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps to keep the orzo from becoming mushy while sitting.
