Creamy Sweet Potato Orzo

An easy, creamy, cozy dish full of creamy sweet potato, pancetta, and orzo pasta.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword healthy comfort food, orzo, pasta, sweet potato

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 446kcal

Equipment

immersion blender

Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta, cooked al dente, drained, and rinsed with 1 cup pasta water reserved
1 large sweet potato, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 cup onion, diced finely
2 ounces pancetta
1 tablespoon sage optional
1/2 teaspoon red pepper optional
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup f frozen peas
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water or, try using veggie broth
1/2 cup nut milk I use almond milk for my family with success.

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Instructions

In a small microwaveable bowl, add the chopped sweet potato and a small amount of water. Cook 7-8 minutes on high, until soft. (some microwaves will only require 5 minutes--check at 5 minutes)
In the bottom of a large pot or sauce pan (I use the same pot the orzo cooked in), add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Add the sage, pancetta and onion. Saute for 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
Add the garlic and peas and saute just until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Remove the pea and pancetta mixture from the pan and set it aside, add 1 tablespoon more of olive oil.
Add the sweet potatoes and saute just to remove the pan drippings.
Add the pasta water, milk, salt & pepper.. Bring just until boil and remove from heat.
Use an immersion blender, blender, or food processor to puree the potatoes with the pasta water and milk.
Add the pasta back into the sauce (NOTE! Add only half of the pasta, to start. Determine how saucy you like your pasta before adding additional in. Sometimes we only use about 3/4 of the pasta)
Stir in the pea and pancetta mixture.
Add salt, pepper, and milk as desired.
Serve immediately with shaved Parmesan Cheese.

Notes

To reheat this pasta you will need to add a bit more milk to the pasta because it can get quite sticky. Simply add a bit of milk or broth and you'll bring it back to a creamy texture.

Orzo pasta can be substituted for another sturdy pasta that can hold up to being stirred, reheated, and cooked in the sauce. Whole wheat pasta, bow-tie, shell pasta, and penne are good options.

Nutrition