Creamy Orzo with Peas and Parmesan

By lkalemba

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup orzo
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 40mins
Adapted from cooking.com

Preparation

Step 1

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in wine and cook until evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, bring to boil, and cook, stirring often, until orzo is tender and creamy, about 15 minutes. Off heat, vigorously stir in Parmesan until creamy. Stir in peas and let sit off heat until peas are heated through and sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Variation: Creamy Orzo with Bacon and Scallions

Omit butter, peas, and Parmesan. Cook 3 slices chopped bacon in pot over medium-high heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to paper towel–lined plate. Add onion to rendered bacon fat and cook as directed. Stir in 2 thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle with crisp bacon before serving.