Comfort Food Alert! I made this over the weekend because I had a half box of Orzo pasta in my cupboard, half a package of bacon and some Gruyère cheese that I’d been craving last time I was at the grocery store. Lucky for me, all of this came together in a creamy, dreamy one-pan meal! Did I mention it only takes about 20 minutes to make?
Creamy Bacon and Gruyère Orzo Recipe
8 slices bacon – cooked and chopped
2 Tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves – minced
1-1/2 cup uncooked Orzo pasta
2-1/4 cup chicken broth
1 cup Gruyere cheese
4-5 basil leaves
I start this by getting my bacon ready. Pre-heat your oven to 400-degrees.
If you’ve never baked your bacon then you’re really over complicating your life! To make mine, I actually lay it flat on a metal rack which is placed on a foil lined baking sheet. Less cleanup and the metal racks can just get thrown in the dishwasher!
Bake your bacon at 400-degrees for about 15-20 minutes until it’s just at the crispy point.
Once your bacon is cooked, let it cool then chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
Start the pasta by melting your butter on medium high heat. Add in your chopped garlic and cook for one minute.
Add your uncooked orzo and cook while stirring for about two minutes.
Add your chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to simmer and cover your pan.
Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. You’ll still have some liquid leftover even after the pasta is cooked and that’s great! It will be a nice starchy liquid that serves as a sauce.
Next you’ll add your cheese, bacon and basil and stir until combined. If it’s a little thick, add a bit more chicken broth. And that is IT! You’re done!
We ate this as a quick lunch, but it would also be good with some chicken breasts and a little veggie side. Try this Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken from A Family Feast. And since your oven would already be pre-heated to 400-degrees, I recommend some Roasted Green Beans.