Easy Orzo Pasta Recipe With Smoked Bacon And Peas
This quick and easy smoky bacon and pea orzo pasta recipe combines classic Italian flavours – soft orzo pasta, salty smoky bacon, sweet peas, savoury Parmesan cheese – into a comforting bowl of goodness that will satisfy your appetite any day of the week.
Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to finish, it’s ideal for busy households who want a tasty dinner without all the hassle. Get ready to wow your family with this delicious one-pot wonder!
Tasty Orzo recipe
Indulge in the culinary delight of our easy Smoked Bacon and Pea Orzo Pasta, a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This dish combines the hearty richness of smoky bacon with the fresh burst of green peas, all enrobed in tender orzo pasta.
The result is a tasty, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is short but you still crave something delicious and fulfilling. Kids will love this!
How to cook orzo
In this recipe cooking orzo is similar to cooking risotto. Add part of the stock to the orzo, stir and cook for about 5 minutes and then add the rest of the stock. Simple! If you just want plain orzo for salads etc check out How to cook Orzo.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
- Tasty: The combination of smoky bacon, fresh peas, and orzo pasta creates a symphony of flavours that’s truly satisfying.
- Versatile: This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Nutritious: With the protein from the bacon and the fibre from the peas, this dish is not only tasty but also quite healthy. Add more vegetable to mix it up a bit.
- Comforting: The warm, hearty nature of this dish makes it the ultimate comfort food.
- Vegan Orzo : Ditch the bacon for mushrooms and change the chicken stock to veggie stock for a vegetable orzo recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 Onion (Chopped)
- 4 Garlic (Chopped)
- 500 g Orzo
- 1.5 ltr Chicken Stock
- 150 g Frozen Peas
- ½ Lemon (Zest and juiced)
- 75 g Parmesan Cheese (or any strong cheese)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to season)
How to make bacon and pea orzo recipe
STEP 1: Add a little oil to the frying pan and fry the chopped bacon on high heat until crispy. Tip out onto a plate and set aside.
STEP 2: Reduce the heat and fry the onions in the same pan for about 5 -8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, salt, black pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes.
STEP 3: Increase the heat and add the orzo pasta, stir for 2 minutes and add half of the stock and stir through. After 5 minutes add the peas and remaining stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
STEP 4: Add the bacon, lemon juice and zest and simmer on low for a further 5 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in a airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 -4 days. Tastes even better the day after! Eat cold or reheat in the microwave.
Easy Smoky Bacon And Pea Orzo Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients Â
- 1 Onion (Chopped)
- 4 Garlic (Chopped)
- 500 g Orzo
- 1.5 ltr Chicken Stock
- 150 g Frozen Peas
- ½ Lemon (Zest and juiced)
- 75 g Parmesan Cheese (or any strong cheese)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to season)
InstructionsÂ
- Add a little oil to the frying pan and fry the chopped bacon on high heat until crispy. Tip out onto a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat and fry the onions in the same pan for about 5 -8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, salt, black pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat and add the orzo pasta, stir for 2 minutes and add half of the stock and stir through. After 5 minutes add the peas and remaining stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the bacon, lemon juice and zest and simmer on low for a further 5 minutes or until the orzo is cooked through. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
