Orzo Carbonara

Ingredients

• 6 ounces bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter ()
• 1 teaspoon thyme sprigs fresh chopped
• 5 cups chicken broth canned ()
• 1 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped
• 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 cup whipping cream 

Equipment

• frying pan
• paper towels
• sauce pan
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Cook bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel and drain.
2. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon drippings from pan.
3. Add butter and cook until butter begins to brown, about 2 minutes; mix in orzo.
4. Add 4 1/2 cups broth; simmer uncovered until orzo is just tender but still firm to bite and broth is absorbed, stirring often, about 8 minutes.
5. Add cream; bring to simmer.
6. Mix in cheese and thyme, then bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with additional broth, if desired.