Imagine a dish that captures the essence of comfort food while being incredibly easy to prepare — meet the One Pot Rosemary Bacon Orzo! This delightful recipe combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary, all enveloped in tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you'll want to dive into this culinary delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crisp and renders its fat, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon pieces and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same pan with bacon fat, add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat the pasta with the bacon fat and onions, toasting it lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped fresh rosemary. Stir to combine and ensure the orzo is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon pieces over the top.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose Quality Bacon: The flavor of this dish heavily relies on the bacon, so opt for a high-quality, thick-cut variety for the best results.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow the onions to become translucent and slightly golden; this step builds a rich flavor base for the orzo.
- Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo in the bacon fat before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Monitor Liquid Absorption: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; if it seems too dry before it's tender, add a splash more chicken broth or water.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top adds a creamy finish that complements the dish beautifully.
- Customize Your Herbs: While rosemary adds a wonderful aroma, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley for a different twist.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve it right after resting for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
