Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Bacon
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and flavorful Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Bacon—a one-skillet dish that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly satisfying. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth, then coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is elevated with crisp, smoky bacon and vibrant baby spinach for a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Toasting the orzo adds a nutty depth of flavor, while sautéed garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a decadent side dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and serve it hot for the ultimate creamy pasta experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.
Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the orzo mixture.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2026 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.2 g | 144% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.3 g | 316% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 309 mg | 103% | |
| Sodium | 4727 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 161.5 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 89.7 g | 179% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1460 mg | 112% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 721 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
