Pea and Bacon Risotto

A creamy Italian risotto made with Arborio rice, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, finished with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a bright touch of lemon. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

1 servings
40 min

Ingredients

  • cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 slice bacon
  • 1 clove garlic
  • cup Arborio rice
  • cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring broth and water to a simmer in a small saucepan.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Cook bacon in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring, until crisp. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain.

    8 min

  3. 3.

    Add garlic to bacon fat in pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 1 minute.

    1 min

  4. 4.

    Add rice, stirring to coat.

    1 min

  5. 5.

    Add 1/4 cup hot broth mixture and simmer briskly, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is just tender and creamy-looking but still al dente, 18 to 22 minutes. (Reserve leftover broth mixture.)

    20 min

  6. 6.

    Add peas and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes.

    2 min

  7. 7.

    Stir in cheese, butter, zest, and juice. Thin risotto with some of reserved broth mixture if desired and season with salt and pepper. Top with bacon.

    3 min

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