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Orzo carbonara featured image

Orzo Carbonara

This Orzo Carbonara is an amazing dish. When prepared properly, carbonara is both creamy and light at the same time. Using orzo pasta instead of the traditional linguine or fettuccine creates a texture akin to risotto, with added richness. The sharp Parmesan and creamy egg cling to the orzo, creating a beautiful silky sauce when combined with the reserved pasta water, while the garlic and crispy pancetta adds texture to each bite. I promise you if you make this recipe, it will soon become a regular meal in your home.
4.67 from 3 votes
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: cheese, eggs, orzo, parmesan, prosciutto, quick dinner, quick meals
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Anneke Silva

Ingredients

  • 200 grams Prosciutto
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 1/2 cups Orzo Pasta
  • 3 cloves Garlic

Carbonara Sauce

  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan fresh
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Pasta Water reserved

Instructions

  • Preheat your pan to medium with the extra virgin olive oil.
  • Cook your orzo to al dente, 6-7 minutes.
  • Add the prosciutto in a single layer and fry for 6 minutes until crisp.
    Arrange prosciutto in a single layer in the pan and cook until crisp, turning as needed, 5 minutes. Place on paper towels to drain.
  • While the prosciutto is frying prepare your carbonara sauce by mixing the eggs, yolk, and parmesan until there are no more clumps.
    While the prosciutto is frying prepare your carbonara sauce by mixing the eggs, yolk, and parmesan until there are no more clumps.
  • Remove prosciutto from pan and set aside.
    Remove prosciutto from pan and set aside.
  • Add garlic to pan, cook for one minute while chopping prosciutto into small pieces.
    Add garlic to pan, cook for one minute while chopping prosciutto into small pieces.
  • Add prosciutto back into pan and pour in the cooked orzo. Mix and leave for one minute to blend the flavours.
    Add prosciutto back into pan and pour in the cooked orzo. Mix and leave for one minute to blend the flavours.
  • Remove the orzo from the heat and add your carbonara sauce, mixing quickly. Add fresh black pepper as desired.
    Remove the orzo from the heat and add your carbonara sauce, mixing quickly. Add fresh black pepper as desired.