All in Pasta Dishes

8-Ingredient Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta, Peas and Spinach

8-Ingredient Creamy Orzo Risotto with Pancetta, Peas and Spinach

Richelle Fortin
Comfort Food, Cooking for Two, Recipes for 2, Pasta Dishes, Pasta

When you're craving something comforting but don't want to spend all evening in the kitchen, this creamy orzo risotto with pancetta, peas and spinach hits all the right notes. It's the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

Instead of arborio rice, this quick risotto uses orzo pasta, which cooks faster and still delivers a luscious, silky texture. The pancetta brings a salty depth, while fresh peas and baby spinach add a welcome pop of spring colour and freshness. A touch of butter and shaved Parmesan finish it off with just the right amount of richness.

Junie's Pasta | Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Linguini – A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish

Junie's Pasta | Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Linguini – A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Dish

Richelle Fortin
Comfort Food, entree, main meal, Pasta Dishes

There’s something truly special about cooking for loved ones, especially when they’ve traveled from afar. My niece, visiting from California, grew up just a few hundred feet from my home, and having her back always brings joy and nostalgia. She has always loved my mushroom and chicken pasta, so I wanted to make it for her—but with a twist. Instead of the usual cream, I opted for ricotta to create a rich yet lighter sauce. The result? A luscious, flavor-packed pasta dish perfect for feeding a crowd.