CHEESY BAKED ORZO WITH BACON & PEAS RECIPE - (4.1/5)

Cheesy Baked Orzo with Bacon & Peas Recipe - (4.1/5) image

Provided by carol gorman

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
8 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound orzo
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated

Steps:

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon; cook 8 minutes, until crispy. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk, bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes. Stir in Gruyere, salt and pepper until smooth. Set aside. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo; cook 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain. Stir into sauce with peas and cooked bacon. Transfer orzo to a 2-quart baking dish. Top with Parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, until bubbling and lightly browned.