Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious? Meet the Tomato Spinach Bacon Orzo—a culinary masterpiece that brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked orzo pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this American favorite that will leave your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet with bacon grease, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to low and add cooked orzo and fresh spinach to the skillet. Gently toss ingredients together, allowing spinach to wilt slightly.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Orzo: For the best texture, make sure to cook the orzo until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it, ensuring it holds up well when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Crispy Bacon: To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, don’t rush the cooking process. Allow it to render its fat slowly over medium heat, which will give it that delightful crunch.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your dish.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle on top will add a creamy, savory finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
