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
Scale
- 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