- LS
These Carbs Don't Count
May 13, 2025
This Cheesy Orzo with Bacon is a craveable, creamy pasta dish with layers of smoky, savory flavor. Crispy bacon sets the stage for a garlic butter base, while orzo is simmered directly in broth for maximum richness. A blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella makes the sauce ultra velvety and cheesy. Finished with more crispy bacon and a Parmesan topping, this dish is pure comfort food you’ll want on repeat.
13 Ingredients
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!
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Bacon Crispness Control 🥓Cook bacon slowly in a cold pan starting from room temperature to render fat evenly and achieve perfect crispy texture without burning.
- Orzo Starch Management 🍲Stir orzo constantly during initial cooking to prevent sticking and release its natural starches, creating a creamier final texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique 🧀Remove the pan from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, and fold gently in a figure-eight motion for smooth, luxurious incorporation.
- Broth Flavor Layering 🌿Toast garlic and spices in butter before adding broth to intensify the aromatic base and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Cream Integration Trick 🥄Temper heavy cream by adding a small amount of hot liquid gradually to prevent curdling, ensuring a silky smooth sauce.
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