Spinach Garlic Parmesan Orzo With Crispy Bacon Food

SPINACH GARLIC PARMESAN ORZO WITH CRISPY BACON

Steps:

• Add bacon to a large skillet or pan and place over medium heat, cook bacon on both sides until crispy and golden brown. If the pan starts to smoke at any point, simply lower the heat. I always cook my bacon on medium low heat. Once bacon is done, blot with a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then chop into bite sized pieces and set aside.
• While the bacon is cooking, place a large pot of water over high heat and add in a generous amount of salt. Once water boils, stir in the orzo and cook until al dente about 7-9 minutes. Once orzo is done cooking, drain pasta and set aside in the colander. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
• Next add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pot you cooked the pasta in and place over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add in minced garlic, carrot, corn, red bell pepper and saute for 2 minutes.
• Next add in spinach; cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked orzo back into the pot and turn the heat to low. Stir in the reserved pasta water, parmesan, garlic powder and red chili pepper flakes.
• Finally, stir in bacon crumbles. Add salt and pepper to taste. I like to add A LOT of black pepper into this dish -- it just gives it a really nice flavor! If you think it needs a little extra parmesan cheese, feel free to stir in 1/4 cup more. Enjoy. Serves 4.

SPINACH PARMESAN ORZO

Steps:

• In a wide saute pan, heat olive oil and add garlic, saute 1-2 minutes over medium heat until limp. Add roughly chopped spinach, salt and pepper, cover and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place spinach mixture in blender and puree until smooth. Reserve.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add orzo and stir gently. Cook 4-7 minutes checking occasionally. The pasta should be firm but cooked through. Coat a large flat pan with olive oil and have ready. Strain orzo through a large strainer shaking off excess water. Immediately spread hot pasta out on the tray for a minute or two to cool slightly and release as much steam from the orzo as possible. Toss orzo with spinach puree and grated cheese and serve immediately.

SAUTEED SPINACH WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Steps:

• Thoroughly wash and dry spinach and remove stems.
• (I usually use the packaged, pre-washed spinach so that I don't get too much water in this dish. Otherwise, be sure to dry the leaves very, very well.) Using half the ingredients and working in batches, heat olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat.
• Saute garlic about one minute.
• Add spinach leaves, increase heat to high, and stir until evenly wilted, about 2 minutes.
• Add salt, pepper, and tomatoes.
• Cook an additional minute.
• Stir in grated Parmesan, remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasonings.
• Serve immediately.
• If spinach releases too much water, you can drain mixture in a colander before serving.
• Taste and adjust seasonings again after draining.

CREAMY PARMESAN ORZO WITH BACON

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon (you can drain the bacon fat or leave it).
• Melt 2-3 tablespoons butter, then add in onions and garlic; saute until soft (about 5 minutes).
• Add in the orzo and stir for about 2 minutes.
• Slowly add in the 4-1/2 cups broth; simmer uncovered until the orzo is firm-tender and the broth is absorbed, stirring occasionally (this should take about 7-8 minutes).
• Add in whipping cream and bring to a simmer.
• Mix in Parmesan cheese and thyme, then cooked bacon.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• *NOTE* you can thin with additional broth if desired.