Cheesy Orzo with Bacon

This tasty pasta dish, Cheesy Orzo with Bacon, combines the rich taste of cheddar cheese with the salty taste of crispy bacon. This recipe is quick and easy, and its great for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a side dish at a party.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish optional

Instructions:

Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions

Drain and set aside

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy

Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet

Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat

Saut minced garlic until fragrant

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer

Add cooked orzo to the skillet and stir to combine with the broth

Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy

Season with salt and pepper to taste

Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and mix well

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving