Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Bacon

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and flavorful Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Bacon—a one-skillet dish that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly satisfying. Featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth, then coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is elevated with crisp, smoky bacon and vibrant baby spinach for a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Toasting the orzo adds a nutty depth of flavor, while sautéed garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a decadent side dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and serve it hot for the ultimate creamy pasta experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 4 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 2

Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated.

Step 7

Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the orzo mixture.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1049.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2026.3

Total Fat 112.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 308.9mg	0%
Sodium 4727.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.4g	0%
Total Sugars 4.8g
Protein 89.7g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 1459.8mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 720.8mg	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: 50.1%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 32.1%