Orzo Carbonara

Indulge in the luxurious simplicity of Orzo Carbonara, a creamy, comforting dish that reimagines the classic Italian carbonara with petite, tender orzo pasta. This recipe combines crispy pancetta, velvety egg yolks, and nutty Parmesan cheese to create an irresistibly rich sauce that perfectly clings to the orzo. A hint of garlic and freshly cracked black pepper elevate the dish with bold, aromatic flavors, while a sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an elegant meal, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for pasta lovers. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a satisfying culinary experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams Orzo pasta
• 150 grams Pancetta (diced)
• 4 large Egg yolks
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly cracked)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, and set the orzo aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced pancetta. Cook until the pancetta becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the pancetta and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

Step 5

Return the drained orzo to the pot or a large mixing bowl while it’s still hot. Quickly pour the egg yolk mixture over the hot pasta, stirring vigorously to coat the orzo. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg yolks and create a creamy sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the crispy pancetta and garlic mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Taste and adjust with salt, if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	644.5 grams (644.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2389

Total Fat 108.30g	139%
Saturated Fat 42.70g	214%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 905mg	302%
Sodium 4878mg	212%
Total Carbohydrate 235.00g	85%
Dietary Fiber 16.90g	60%
Total Sugars 5.90g
Protein 124.50g	249%

Vitamin D 113IU	566%
Calcium 1265mg	97%
Iron 15mg	82%
Potassium 726mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.4%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 39.0%