My kids love orzo pasta! It resembles rice and it is very versatile just like any other pasta. You can add it to soups, salad, and it can be your main entree too. You can use our favorite pasta sauce or just have it with butter. I love packing this easy pasta recipe for my kid's school lunch.  They really do not mind eating it cold but if your family prefers to eat this warm, you can also use a Thermos container.

This creamy ham nad peas orzo pasta is easy and frugal to make. Even if you buy all the ingredients, it will still cost you less than $3 per serving (based on a family of four). But, I'm pretty sure that you will have the majority of these ingredients. If you can not find a cubed ham, I have always used deli ham and I just diced them into bite-size pieces. You can also use bacon instead of ham! The outcome will still be as delicious! 

*This post may contain affiliate links (like Amazon) if you purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Read my full disclosure HERE. Thank you so much.

Ingredients:

1 package Orzo

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup diced ham (can use deli ham)

4 finely minced, garlic

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk 

4 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp cinnamon

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp parsley

optional: grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Melt butter and saute your peas and ham.

Add the minced garlic. I used a garlic press. I purchased my garlic press from Amazon ad this is one of my favorite kitchen tools. 

Saute until your ham caramelizes carefully not burning the garlic. Whisk in the heavy cream and the milk. Add the cinnamon, dried parsley, and salt, pepper to taste. Cook until the sauce thickens. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp of cold water. 

Add the sauce to your cooked orzo pasta. You can top it with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese.

Easy weeknight dinner meal or an easy yet delicious school lunch idea.