Imagine a dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—yet comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s exactly what this Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto delivers! The orzo is cooked until perfectly tender, bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce, and complemented by the salty bite of prosciutto and the sweetness of peas. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet elegant enough to impress. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich & Creamy: The orzo soaks up all the delicious flavors, making each bite indulgent.
Balanced Flavors: Salty prosciutto, sweet peas, and a creamy sauce—every bite is a delight.
Elegant Yet Simple: Feels fancy, but it’s super easy to make!
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Ingredients in Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto
This dish is made with simple, yet flavorful ingredients:
Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Butter & Olive Oil: For richness and depth of flavor.
Shallots & Garlic: The aromatic base that makes this dish irresistible.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Infuses the orzo with a savory depth.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Makes the dish creamy and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, umami kick.
Frozen Peas: Sweet, vibrant, and the perfect pop of freshness.
Prosciutto: Crispy and salty, adding a delicious contrast.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
Black Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle kick of heat.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: Adds a fresh, herby touch.
Instructions
Crisp the Prosciutto: In a large pan, cook the prosciutto until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, letting it toast slightly for a nutty depth of flavor.
Add the Broth & Cook: Pour in the broth and let the orzo absorb it, stirring occasionally.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a silky sauce.
Add the Peas & Lemon: Toss in the peas, lemon zest, and juice for a fresh contrast.
Finish & Serve: Top with crispy prosciutto, a sprinkle of black pepper, and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto
As a Main Dish: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own!
With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: A protein boost makes it even more satisfying.
Paired with a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness.
With Garlic Bread: Because extra carbs are always a good idea!
Additional Tips
Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the prosciutto or replace it with crispy mushrooms.
Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free orzo or swap for risotto rice.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back the creaminess.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Yes! Arborio rice or small pasta shapes work well.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Just reheat with a little extra liquid.
Q3: What’s the best substitute for prosciutto?
A3: Try pancetta, bacon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it—just expect a softer texture when reheated.
Q5: How do I make it extra creamy?
A5: Stir in more Parmesan and a little extra cream just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto is a perfect balance of indulgent and fresh, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and let me know how you love it!
Print
Creamy Orzo with Peas & Prosciutto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy orzo with green peas and crispy prosciutto is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or main course. The rich Parmesan sauce, tender orzo, and crispy prosciutto create a balanced, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled meats for an elevated dining experience!
Ingredients
- 3 oz prosciutto
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken stock (or water)
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated, room temperature)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Take the Parmesan cheese out of the refrigerator and shred/grate it. Keep it at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the torn prosciutto on it, and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat in a high-sided pan.
- Add the chopped onion with a sprinkle of salt and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Toast the Orzo:
- Add the orzo, Italian seasoning, and 1 tbsp of butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes until the orzo is golden brown.
4. Simmer & Cook:
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Stir in the green peas and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- If needed, add ¼ cup more stock or water towards the end if the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly.
5. Finish with Cream & Cheese:
- Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
- Stir until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish & Serve:
- Top with crispy prosciutto and serve immediately.
Storage & Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 538
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg