Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta and Peas
This delightful Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta and Peas is a one-pan dinner that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Cooked in a savory mixture of crispy pancetta and sweet peas, each bite offers a satisfying creaminess thanks to the orzo pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as a luxurious side dish, this recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal without the fuss of multiple pans. With just a few simple ingredients and a rich, indulgent taste, you'll find this dish quickly becomes a favorite. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in, it's a delightful expression of comfort food.
N/A
Servings
163
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic-flavored olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
cubed pancetta or diced thick-cut bacon
6 ounces (cubed)
frozen baby peas
1 1/4 cups (frozen)
orzo pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
boiling water
2 1/2 cups (boiling)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
soft butter
1 tablespoon (for finishing)
grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (for finishing)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large saucepan, warm the garlic-flavored olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the cubed pancetta (or thick-cut bacon) to the pan. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and crispy.
3
Incorporate the frozen baby peas into the pan. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until the peas lose their frozen appearance and are heated through. If too much fat is in the pan from the bacon, carefully pour off excess, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
4
Add the orzo pasta to the mixture. Toss it gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the flavorful fats.
5
Pour in the boiling water and season with salt. Keep in mind that both the pancetta and Parmesan will add saltiness.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; if the mixture gets too thick, add a little more boiling water as needed.
7
Once the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, remove from heat and stir in the soft butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Check to adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper if desired.
8
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta and Peas?
It is a one-pan dinner featuring orzo pasta cooked like a risotto with crispy pancetta and sweet peas, resulting in a rich, comforting meal.
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, you can use 6 ounces of cubed pancetta or diced thick-cut bacon for this recipe.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
This recipe specifically uses 8 ounces of uncooked orzo pasta.
How long should I sauté the pancetta?
The pancetta should be sautéed over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
What kind of peas are best for this risotto?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of frozen baby peas.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pan dinner to minimize cleanup and keep the preparation simple.
Do I need to boil the water beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of boiling water to be added to the orzo mixture.
Should the pan be covered while the orzo simmers?
No, the orzo should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes on low heat.
How do I ensure the orzo doesn't stick to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
What should I do if the risotto gets too thick?
If the mixture becomes too thick during the simmering process, you can add a little more boiling water as needed.
What ingredients are used for finishing the dish?
The dish is finished by stirring in 1 tablespoon of soft butter and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 163 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 7.5g of fat.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides 6.25g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of garlic-flavored olive oil for added flavor.
Should I drain the fat from the pancetta?
If there is too much fat after frying the pancetta, you should pour off the excess, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
How do I garnish the final dish?
You can garnish the risotto with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients: garlic oil, pancetta, peas, orzo, boiling water, salt, butter, Parmesan, and pepper.
What type of cookware is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a large saucepan is recommended.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a delightful expression of comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Can I adjust the saltiness of the dish?
Yes, but be careful when adding salt because the pancetta and Parmesan already contribute significant saltiness.
How long do the peas need to cook?
The peas only need to be stirred for 1-2 minutes until they lose their frozen appearance and are heated through.
When do I add the orzo?
Add the orzo after the pancetta is crispy and the peas are heated through, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the fats.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its rich and indulgent taste makes it perfect for impressing guests while remaining easy to prepare.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The specific fiber content is not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.
What temperature should I use to warm the oil?
The oil should be warmed over medium heat at the start of the cooking process.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as a hearty main meal or as a luxurious side dish.
What makes the orzo creamy?
The creaminess comes from the starch released by the orzo as it simmers, combined with the final addition of butter and Parmesan.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm immediately after stirring in the cheese and butter.