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Simple Recipes for Every Day

Bacon Pea Creamy Orzo

A bowl of creamy orzo pasta with peas and crispy bacon and topped with finely grated Parmesan
  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  30 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 pound uncooked orzo
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Method

  1. Heat the chicken broth in a small saucepan over low heat until almost simmering.
  2. Place the bacon in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon crisps and the fat is rendered, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the fat in the pan. 
  3. Add the orzo to the saucepan with the reserved bacon fat and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the hot broth and salt, then increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes.
  4. Stir in the bacon, Parmesan, pepper, and peas. Cook, stirring, until the cheese has melted and the peas are warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. 
  5. Divide among 4 bowls. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan.