Spinach Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Crispy Bacon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
436 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Spinach Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Crispy Bacon
Description
Start by cooking bacon slowly over medium to medium-low heat for crispness without burning. The rendered fat adds flavor to the dish. Orzo pasta is boiled in salted water until al dente, with reserved pasta water saved to help finish the sauce. Butter melts in the cooking pot, then minced garlic, shredded carrots, corn, and chopped red bell pepper are sautéed briefly to soften while preserving texture. Spinach is wilted in the mix, adding freshness and color.
The cooked orzo is returned to the pot and stirred with the sautéed vegetables and some reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency. Finely grated Parmesan cheese and seasonings like garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper combine for a balanced, savory flavor. Chopped crispy bacon is folded in, contributing smoky, crunchy contrast. Parsley and additional Parmesan garnish the dish before serving.
This orzo dish works well as a filling main or a flavorful side for chicken or fish. The combination of textures and flavors offers variety in each bite. You can substitute bacon with chicken sausage or use beans for a vegetarian version, plus different pasta shapes may be used depending on preference.
Leftovers can be reheated gently while adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The dish stores well for easy reheating within a few days.
Ingredients
- 8 lices Bacon
- 10 ounces orzo pasta uncooked, about 1 2/3 cup
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, after pasta is done boiling
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- ½ cup carrot shredded or cut into matchsticks
- 2/3 cup sweet corn frozen or fresh
- 1 bell pepper red, cut into chunks
- 1 spinach organic, 5 ounce package
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes plus more if desired
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- flat-leaf parsley fresh, for garnish
- Parmesan Cheese
- sweet corn
- Bacon
Instructions
- Add bacon to a large skillet or pan and place over medium heat, cook bacon on both sides until crispy and golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke at any point, simply lower the heat. I always cook my bacon on medium low heat. Once bacon is done, blot with a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then chop into bite sized pieces and set aside.
- While the bacon is cooking, place a large pot of water over high heat and add in a generous amount of salt. Once water boils, stir in the orzo and cook until al dente about 7-9 minutes. Once orzo is done cooking, drain pasta and set aside in the colander. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Next add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pot you cooked the pasta in and place over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add in minced garlic, carrot, corn, red bell pepper and saute for 2 minutes.
- Next add in spinach; cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked orzo back into the pot and turn the heat to low. Stir in the reserved pasta water, parmesan, garlic powder and red chili pepper flakes.
- Finally, stir in bacon crumbles. Add salt and pepper to taste. I like to add A LOT of black pepper into this dish -- it just gives it a really nice flavor! If you think it needs a little extra parmesan cheese, feel free to stir in 1/4 cup more. Enjoy. Serves 4.
Notes
- Substitute bacon with chicken sausage slices cooked and stirred in the same way.
- For a vegetarian option, add rinsed and drained white beans or roasted chickpeas instead of bacon for texture and protein.
- Alternative pastas like orecchiette or angel hair can be used; orzo provides a creamy texture preferred here.
- You can add extra vegetables according to preference to increase nutritional content and flavor variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 436 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 436cal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 62.7g | 21% |
| Protein | 20.2g | 40% |
| Fat | 13.3g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2g | 31% |
| Fiber | 4.5g | 18% |
| Sugar | 2.6g | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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