Spinach Parmesan Orzo 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.

PARMESAN SPINACH ORZO

Steps:

• In a large saute pan heat up olive oil, add, chopped onions and cook until translucent; 3-4 minutes;
• Add spinach and cook until wilted, for about another 2 minutes;
• Add pasta and stir to coat it all with olive oil, onion and spinach mixture;
• Add stock, cover the pan and cook according for about 8 minutes until the pasta is cooked through;
• Turn off the heat, add cheese and black pepper, stir and taste. If needed add some salt. Serve immediately

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.

ORZO WITH SPINACH & PARMESAN

Steps:

• Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the orzo.
• Boil until orzo is tender and has absorbed the cooking liquid, 8 to 9 minutes.
• Stir in the fat, Parmesan, pepper to taste, spinach and pine nuts.
• Cook over low heat for a few minutes until spinach until wilted, and adjust seasoning.