Cheesy Baked Orzo with Bacon & Peas

By dmscott52

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bacon, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 T. all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 8 oz. shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 lb. orzo
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon, cook 8 minutes, until crispy. Remove to a plate with slotted spoon. Pour off all but 3 T. of the bacon fat. Stir in garlic cook 1 minute. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk, bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes. Stir in gruyere, salt and pepper, until smooth.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo, cook 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain. Stir into sauce with peas and cooked bacon.

3. Transfer orzo to a 2- quart baking dish. Top with Parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.