Creamy Orzo With Ham And Peas

Total Time: 25 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 lb orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 lb smoked ham, cubed
• 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

Recipe

• 1 bring a heavy large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. add the orzo and cook until tender,about 8 minutes. drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
• 2 meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender, about 2 minutes.
• 3 add the ham and cook until they are heated through, about 5 minutes.
• 4 stir in the half and half and peas. add the orzo and toss to coat.
• 5 remove the skillet from the heat. add the parmesan to the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
• 6 stir in some reserved cooking liquid until pasta is desired consistency.
• 7 season the orzo with salt and pepper, and serve.