Cheesy Pepper Orzo

7/10/2023

Cheesy Pepper Orzo

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 15 Min

Yields: Approx. 2 Mains / 4 Sides

WHAT YOU NEED

Fill a large pot with cold, generously salted water, cover, and bring to a boil on medium high heat.
Begin heating the cracked pepper in a 12" skillet set to just below medium heat. Stir and let the pepper toast in the skillet for 2 -3 minutes., It should be fragrant, but don't let it burn. Next, add the butter, EVOO, pepper flakes, garlic, and a good pinch of salt to the skillet. Once melted, stir and cook for 30 seconds - 1 minute without burning the garlic.

Add about 1/4 C of the boiling water to the skillet and let that simmer while you add your orzo to the boiling water. Continue to stir the skillet, adding another splash of pasta water if needed until the orzo is al dente.
Once the pasta is al dente, strain it directly in to the skillet along with roughly 1/2 C pasta water and a good pinch of salt. Continuously stir and toss the orzo in the skillet, releasing starches in to the skillet as the liquids evaporate. Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the grana padano to the skillet along with 1/4 c pasta water (to start) and toss until cheese is melted, orzo is coated, and any sauce in the skillet is starchy and rich. Add additional pasta water if needed / desired to reach your desired sauciness. Taste and adjust salt to taste.
Serve each portion garnished with additional grana padano, pep flakes, cracked pep, and fresh pea shoots. ENJOY!