Orzo Carbonara

This creamy orzo carbonara has all the things you love about carbonara but with a risotto-like consistency. It's the perfect comfort food!

Course Vegetarian

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Keyword creamy, risotto, bacon

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 273kcal

Author Maria Koutsogiannis

Ingredients

1 tbsp. butter of choice + 1 tbsp. butter for serving
1/2 cup vegan bacon
1 medium-sized white onion finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp. fresh thyme
1 cup of orzo
1 1/2 cups soy milk or regular milk
1/4 cup chopped chives
3 cups spinach chopped
1 cup vegan or regular parmesan cheese
Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

To a large pot or cooking pan heat butter on low heat till melted. Increase heat to medium and brown the vegan bacon for 3-4 minutes stirring often to avoid burning. To the pot, add the onion, garlic, and thyme. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
Season with salt and pepper. Stir till everything is coated. Increase heat to high and add the orzo to the pot. Toast for 1 minute. Add the milk to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil then simmer till the orzo is cooked. Add more milk of choice is necessary.
To the pot add the chives and spinach and stir till cooked throughout.
1 minute before serving add the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and butter!
Enjoy hot or cold!

Notes

Butter: If you prefer not to use butter then use olive oil.

Pasta: This recipe is amazing with orzo but ultimately can be made with any type of pasta.

Spinach: You can add as much or as little spinach as you want. You really can't go wrong. Chopped broccoli and zucchini would also go well in this dish too.

Vegan: Feel free to have fun with this recipe based on your diet. If you are vegan then use vegan substitutes and if you're not then use the regular options. Regardless, this recipe is AMAZING!

Vegetarian: this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.

Nutrition