Creamy Orzo With Pancetta
I had an opportunity to try a pasta called orzo. It’s a small pasta shaped like a grain of rice quite suitable for salads, soups, risotto or creamy pasta dishes. It’s a wonderful addition to my Pantry. This is a very quick and easy week night meal that I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I did. I made quite a few changes to the original recipe but I was more than happy with the result. Sometimes, all you need is an idea to get your creative juices flowing. The texture of this recipe reminds me of a risotto since the pasta has to absorb the liquid that it is cooked in.
I enjoyed making this dish and I can actually think of a few variations that I would love to try – like meatless, or with chicken instead of the pancetta. I love that there are so many options. The first time I made this dish… I forgot the cheese. I’ll just call that the “reduced calorie” version 🙂 It looked pretty though, and tasted great too.
Orzo with Pancetta
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Diced Pancetta
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 Cups Orzo
- 2 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth (low-fat, low-sodium)
- 1/2 Cup Green peas (thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- In a dutch oven (or deep pot), melt butter
- Add garlic and stir for about a minute
- Add onion, then sauté until translucent
- Add Orzo and allow to "toast" in order to bring out the flavour
- Add salt and pepper
- Add broth and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- When orzo is fluffed up, add pancetta, stir and allow to warm through
- Add green peas. Stir to combine
- Add parmesan and stir
- Allow to warm through, about 3-5 minutes
- Serve and enjoy
Here’s how I made it. So easy. I bet you’ll be making this meal this week 🙂
Onion, Garlic, Orzo
Once broth has been absorbed, add Pancetta
Add peas
Add parmesan cheese. Stir to combine
I remembered to add the cheese this time 🙂
So creamy…
This recipe was adapted from Everyday Food
Happy Monday!!! ~Lyn
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I love orzo pasta..sometimes I use it in my soups. Your meal look very very delicious, and so pretty and colorful! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful week!!!
Thanks Sandra! I should check your soup recipes. I really like Orzo. Have a great week too!
Love how simple but tasty your orzo dish looks like, Lyn! No wonder your boys loved it!
Thanks, Tina! I’m working on ideas for a few versions with the kids in mind 🙂 Simplicity is key! Stay tuned!