Cheesy Ham and Pea Orzo Bake
Indulge in this rich and creamy Cheesy Ham and Pea Orzo Bake, where tender orzo pasta mingles with savory smoked ham, vibrant peas, and a luscious half-and-half sauce, all topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also incredibly comforting, perfect for family dinners or gathering friends around the table. Serve it with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for the ultimate cozy meal experience.
6
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
shallot
1 large (finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
smoked ham
1/2 lb (cubed)
half-and-half
1 1/4 cups (for creaminess)
frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook for about 8 minutes or until tender. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
2
While the orzo is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing until they become tender and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3
Add the cubed smoked ham to the pan and cook until thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the half-and-half and thawed peas, mixing well to create a smooth sauce. Folding in the cooked orzo, toss gently to ensure everything is well coated with the creamy mixture.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
6
If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
7
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
11.7g
Fat
36.7g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ham and Pea Orzo Bake?
It is a rich and creamy one-dish meal where tender orzo pasta is mixed with savory smoked ham, vibrant peas, and a luscious Parmesan sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long should I boil the orzo?
The orzo should be cooked for about 8 minutes or until it is tender.
Why should I reserve the cooking liquid?
Reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid allows you to thin the sauce later if the mixture becomes too thick.
What kind of ham is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of smoked ham, cut into cubes.
Do I need to thaw the frozen peas?
Yes, you should use 1 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed before adding them to the sauce.
What type of dairy is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of half-and-half to create a creamy texture.
What cheese is used in this dish?
The dish features 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by boiling the orzo and simultaneously sautéing shallots and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
How long do I cook the ham?
The cubed smoked ham should be cooked in the pan until it is thoroughly heated, which takes about 5 minutes.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
The sauce is created by stirring in the half-and-half and peas, then folding in the cooked orzo and melted Parmesan.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly.
How do I fix a sauce that is too thick?
Add the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the protein content?
This meal provides 16.7g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 11.7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 36.7g of carbohydrates.
What should I serve with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread.
Can I substitute the shallot?
Yes, if you do not have a large shallot, you can use a small amount of finely chopped onion.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-pot meal, making it perfect for quick dinners.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How do I season the dish?
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste once the pasta is fully coated.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include orzo, pasta, ham, peas, creamy dish, comfort food, and family dinner.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 clove of minced garlic for flavor.
What size shallot is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 large shallot, finely chopped.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the aromatics.
Can I add more vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on peas, you can easily add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during the sautéing phase.
Is this dish good for groups?
Yes, it yields 6 servings and is an excellent choice for gathering friends or family around the table.
What is the texture of this dish?
The texture is rich, creamy, and tender due to the combination of orzo, half-and-half, and melted cheese.