Toasted Orzo With Peas, Onion and Bacon

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 13

Toasted Orzo With Peas, Onion and Bacon: A Flavorful Italian-Inspired Dish

by The Chefin Pasta

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 1/2 cups orzo pasta ( rice-shaped pasta )
	1 1/4 cups chopped onions
	5 slices bacon , chopped
	3 1/4 cups chicken broth ( or more )
	1 1/2 cups frozen peas , thawed

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

429

Sugar

Fat

13g

Toasted orzo with peas, onion and bacon is a classic Italian-inspired dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. The dish is made by toasting orzo pasta in a pan until it turns a light golden color. Then, the orzo is simmered in chicken broth with chopped onions and crispy bacon. Frozen peas are added towards the end of cooking to provide a pop of color and flavor. The dish is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste and is typically served with grated Parmesan cheese on top. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

1.	Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add the orzo. Toast the orzo for 5-6 minutes or until it turns a light golden color.
2.	Remove the orzo from the pan and set it aside.
3.	Add the chopped bacon to the same saucepan and fry it for 2-3 minutes or until it starts to turn crispy.
4.	Add the chopped onions to the bacon and stir them in.
5.	Fry the onions for 3-4 minutes or until they are soft and translucent.
6.	Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
7.	Add the toasted orzo to the broth and stir well.
8.	Reduce the heat to low and allow the orzo to simmer in the broth for 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through.
9.	Add the thawed peas to the orzo and stir them in.
10.	Cook the orzo and peas together until the peas are hot and cooked through.
11.	Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
12.	Serve the toasted orzo with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

PROS

Toasted orzo with peas, onion and bacon is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

The dish is packed with flavors from the bacon and onions, and has a satisfying texture from the toasted orzo.

It is a versatile recipe that can be customized with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your preferences.

CONS

One of the cons of this dish is that it is not particularly healthy due to the high amount of fat and sodium from the bacon and chicken broth.

Additionally, some people may find the toasted flavor of the orzo to be too strong or overpowering.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, it does contain some nutrients from the peas and onions.
Peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
Onions contain antioxidants and are linked to reducing inflammation and improving immune function.