From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Cheesy Orzo with Bacon
Instructions
1
Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
2
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
3
Add orzo and stir to coat in the garlic butter mixture.
4
Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5
Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and the cooked bacon. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
7
Top with extra Parmesan and bacon before serving. Enjoy!
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Render Bacon Low and Slow 🥓Cook bacon on medium heat rather than high to render the fat evenly and achieve maximum crispness without burning; reserve 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat for your garlic butter base.
- Toast Orzo in Bacon Fat First 🍝Before adding broth, lightly toast the dry orzo in the reserved bacon fat for 2-3 minutes to develop nutty, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Simmer Orzo Directly in Broth 🔥Cook orzo directly in chicken broth instead of boiling separately to allow the pasta to absorb savory flavors throughout, creating a naturally richer base that requires less cream.
- Temper Cheese with Cream Off-Heat 🧀Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, then stir constantly to melt it evenly into the cream; this prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or separating from excessive heat.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce Consistency 💧Save 1/2 cup of starchy pasta cooking water to adjust sauce thickness if needed—the starch naturally emulsifies and keeps the cream and cheese silky smooth.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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