Baked Orzo with Pesto Peas Prosciutto and Mascarpone

Recipe by From a Chef's Kitchen

Baked Orzo with Pesto, Peas, Prosciutto and Mascarpone is perfect as a side dish or main dish.

Ingredients

• non-stick cooking spray
• 3 cups COOKED orzo pasta (approximately 2 cups dry orzo pasta)
• 1 cup peas, fresh or thawed if frozen
• 3 ounces prosciutto (chopped)
• ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¾ cup prepared pesto
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a small baking dish (like an 8 x 8-inch square) with cooking spray.
2. Combine cooked orzo, peas, prosciutto, cream or half-and-half, pesto, mascarpone and half the Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes then serve.

View the recipe instructions at From a Chef's Kitchen