Pesto Risoni with Bacon

Enjoy the simplicity of Pesto Risoni with Bacon, a creamy pasta dish filled with bacon and zesty pesto. Easily adaptable with your choice of protein or vegetables for a delicious and effortless meal.

Product: Rare Bear Parsley, Lemon & Almond Pesto

Serves 4

Effort: Easy

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Gluten free option available

Ingredients

• 4 large rashers of bacon, diced
• 1.5 cups risoni (Also called orzo)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup cream
• ¼ cup parsley lemon pesto
• ¼ cup cream cheese

To serve

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon zest
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it's crisp and golden brown.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the bacon. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the risoni to the pan with the bacon, onion, and garlic. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the risoni to toast slightly.
4. Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 8 minutes, or until the risoni is cooked to al dente texture, stirring occasionally.
5. Once the risoni is cooked, add the cream and cream cheese to the pan. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce
6. Next, add the parsley lemon pesto to the pan, stirring it through the risoni mixture until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. To serve, garnish the pesto risoni with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot with a bowl of grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling over the top according to individual taste preferences.

Hints and Tips

• Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute risoni with medium-grain rice in the same quantities. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as rice may require a little extra cooking time to reach desired tenderness.
• Easy Swaps/Add-Ins: Feel free to customize this dish by swapping bacon with chorizo or plain sausages. You can also add shredded cooked chicken to increase the protein content and add variety to the meal.
• Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish by incorporating extra vegetables. Spinach, green beans, or peas are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the pesto and bacon.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair this delightful dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables, along with some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Storage Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This dish is suitable for freezing, allowing you to enjoy it at a later time with minimal effort. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.