This creamy orzo with bacon, leeks, and peas is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It's a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and delicious without the fuss.
Advertisements1
The combination of smoky bacon, sweet and tender leeks, and vibrant green peas tossed with al dente orzo in a light parmesan cream sauce is simply irresistible. It's a balanced meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
8 oz (225g) bacon, chopped
Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite. Turkey bacon works as a lighter substitute, but reduce cooking time.
2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
Leeks add a mild onion flavor. If leeks aren't available, substitute with 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
1 1/2 cups (270g) orzo pasta
Regular orzo works best. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo, adjusting liquid as needed.
3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian swap.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk.
1 cup (150g) frozen peas
No need to thaw; they'll warm through in the sauce. Fresh peas can be used when in season.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste, especially if using regular broth and bacon.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Parsley adds freshness. Chives or dill also work well.
Tips & Tricks
Don't skip rinsing the leeks
Leeks trap dirt between their layers. Slice them, then soak in a bowl of cold water and swish to release grit. Lift out with a slotted spoon to leave the dirt behind.
Avoid overcooking the orzo
Cook until al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid off the heat. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
Reserve some pasta water
If you need to thin the sauce, a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water (or extra broth) will do the trick without diluting flavor.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Leeks and Garlic
Add the sliced leeks to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat with the fat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the orzo is lightly golden and smells nutty. This step adds depth of flavor.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat (400°F / 200°C). Reduce heat to low (250°F / 120°C), cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Cream and Peas
Uncover and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 2-3 minutes, until the peas are bright green and heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add Parmesan and Bacon
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the crispy bacon. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
Serve the orzo hot, topped with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Sauté the leeks in 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil instead.
Add Chicken
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken with the peas for extra protein.
Herb Twist
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons of lemon zest along with the garlic for a brighter flavor.
How to Store Orzo With Bacon Leeks Peas
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even rice. Adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: How do I clean leeks properly?
Slice the leeks, then place them in a bowl of cold water and swish them around to release dirt. Let them sit for a minute, then lift them out with a slotted spoon, leaving the grit at the bottom.
Q: Can I freeze orzo with bacon, leeks, and peas?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the orzo may soften slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently with a little extra liquid.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, use dairy-free cream (coconut cream or cashew cream) and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
I hope you enjoy this creamy, savory orzo as much as we do! If you try it, let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I'd love to see your delicious results!
Orzo With Bacon Leeks Peas
Creamy one-pan orzo with crispy bacon, sweet leeks, and sweet peas – a comforting 30-minute dinner the whole family will love.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) bacon, chopped
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Cook the Bacon — In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- 2Sauté Leeks and Garlic — Add the sliced leeks to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3Toast the Orzo — Add the dry orzo to the pan and stir to coat with the fat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the orzo is lightly golden and smells nutty. This step adds depth of flavor.
- 4Add Broth and Simmer — Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat (400°F / 200°C). Reduce heat to low (250°F / 120°C), cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 5Stir in Cream and Peas — Uncover and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 2-3 minutes, until the peas are bright green and heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 6Add Parmesan and Bacon — Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the crispy bacon. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 7Garnish and Serve — Serve the orzo hot, topped with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.
