Toasted Orzo with Peas Onion and Bacon
Savor the comforting flavors of this Toasted Orzo with Peas, Onion, and Bacon—a one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a harmonious medley of textures and flavors. The orzo is toasted to a nutty perfection, creating depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of sautéed onions and the pop of tender peas. Crispy, smoky bacon adds a luxurious richness, while a finishing touch of creamy Parmesan and fresh parsley elevates the dish. Cooked in flavorful chicken broth, this hearty yet elegant side dish (or light main course) is ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as an impressive addition to your holiday table, this versatile recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast until golden brown, stirring constantly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the toasted orzo from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, let it cool slightly, and chop into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add the onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Return the toasted orzo to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and mix well.
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
515 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.0 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 895 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 22.2 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 443 mg | 9% | |
*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.
