Creamy Pancetta Rice

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Creamy Pancetta Rice, a comforting dish that combines the richness of Arborio rice with the savory crunch of pancetta and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This easy yet elegant recipe transforms simple ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter into a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The dish is made using classic risotto-style cooking for irresistibly creamy rice infused with garlic, onion, and crispy pancetta. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, this satisfying recipe serves four and pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Perfect for fans of Italian-inspired comfort food, Creamy Pancetta Rice is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 ounces Pancetta, diced
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the chicken broth in a small pot over low heat and keep it warm.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3

Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the butter and oil. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 5

Start adding the warm chicken broth one ladle at a time to the skillet, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding the next ladle. Continue this process until the rice is cooked through and creamy, which should take about 20 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.

Step 7

Fold in the crispy pancetta, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and the reserved pancetta if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1538.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1657.6

Total Fat 126.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 305.2mg	0%
Sodium 5972.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g	0%
Total Sugars 4.7g
Protein 51.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 587.6mg	0%
Iron 4.7mg	0%
Potassium 1258.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.2%

Protein: 12.8%

Carbs: 17.0%