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Orzo Risotto with Shrimp, Peas & Bacon

Creamy Orzo Risotto with Shrimp, Peas & Bacon Bliss

This Creamy Orzo Risotto with Shrimp, Peas & Bacon is a quick, flavorful feast ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Risotto Base
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter can substitute with olive oil
  • 6 ounces Bacon can be omitted or replaced with plant-based alternative
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion or substitute with shallots or leeks
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh is best
  • 1 cup Orzo can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust based on broth saltiness
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground is best
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun/Creole Seasoning can substitute with Italian herbs
  • 1 pound Shrimp or substitute with chicken or firm tofu
  • 1 cup Frozen Green Peas can substitute with fresh peas or spinach
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice can substitute with lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Chives can substitute with green onions or parsley

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain bacon on paper towels, leaving fat in the pot.
  2. In the bacon fat, sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is creamy.
  5. Gently fold in shrimp and frozen peas. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until shrimp is opaque.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in the remaining butter and lemon juice, and fold in the crispy bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, store for up to 2 months and reheat with broth.

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