Bacon Pea Creamy Orzo
Bacon Pea Creamy Orzo is a comforting dish that combines crispy bacon, sweet peas, and rich orzo in a creamy sauce. This delightful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering warmth and flavor with every bite. With its vibrant colors and luscious texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
Instructions
- Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- Stir in uncooked orzo pasta and toast for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring frequently; bring to a simmer and cook until orzo absorbs most of the liquid (10-12 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh peas; cook for an additional 3 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon until melted together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or fresh herbs like basil. If the dish thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of broth to restore creaminess.