Fresh, vibrant pea risotto with Parmesan and crispy bacon
This creamy pea risotto is a bright and comforting Italian-inspired dish made with Arborio rice, sweet green peas, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s rich and creamy while still tasting fresh and light thanks to the natural sweetness of peas.
Risotto is a classic Italian rice dish known for its luxurious texture. Unlike regular rice dishes, risotto is cooked slowly while warm broth is added gradually. As the rice absorbs the liquid, it releases starch that creates a creamy consistency without needing heavy cream.
In this pea risotto recipe, a portion of the peas is blended into a smooth puree before being stirred into the rice. This simple trick gives the risotto its beautiful green color and adds extra creaminess while keeping the fresh pea flavor front and center.
The rest of the peas remain whole, adding texture and bursts of sweetness in every bite. Crispy bacon adds savory depth and a slight smoky flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peas and richness of the Parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for spring dinners, elegant side dishes, or comforting weeknight meals. The vibrant green color also makes it a beautiful dish to serve for holidays or special occasions.
Even though risotto may seem intimidating, the process is actually very simple. The key is patience and gradually adding broth while stirring occasionally. With just a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes of cooking time, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Serve this pea risotto as a main course with a fresh salad or as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or seafood.
table of contents
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main dish or side dish
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2½ cups (375 g) frozen peas, thawed
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (420 g) Arborio rice
- ½ cup white wine
- 5 cups warm chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Crispy bacon pieces
Instructions
1. Make the pea puree
In a food processor, blend 2 cups of the peas with the water until smooth.
Add a little more water if needed to create a smooth puree.
Set aside.
2. Cook the bacon
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces in 1 tablespoon olive oil until crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
3. Cook the onions
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Toast the rice
Add the Arborio rice to the pot.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so the rice becomes coated with oil.
5. Add the wine
Pour in the white wine.
Cook until the wine has mostly evaporated.
6. Add broth gradually
Over medium heat, add about 1 cup of warm chicken broth.
Stir frequently until the liquid is absorbed.
Continue adding broth one cup at a time, stirring often and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
This process takes about 18–22 minutes.
7. Add the peas and cheese
Stir in:
- the pea puree
- remaining whole peas
- grated Parmesan cheese
Mix until creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve
Spoon the risotto into bowls.
Top with crispy bacon pieces and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.
Why This Recipe Works
Blending some of the peas into a puree creates an extra creamy texture while enhancing the fresh pea flavor.
Adding the rest of the peas whole ensures the risotto has great texture and vibrant color.
The crispy bacon provides contrast with its salty, smoky flavor, making the dish perfectly balanced.
Tips for Perfect Risotto
Use Arborio rice
Arborio rice releases starch while cooking, creating the creamy texture risotto is known for.
Add broth gradually
This helps the rice cook evenly and develop the proper texture.
Keep broth warm
Warm broth prevents the cooking process from slowing down.
Serve immediately
Risotto thickens quickly as it cools.
Variations
Vegetarian version
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add herbs
Fresh herbs like:
- basil
- parsley
- thyme
add extra flavor.
Add lemon
A little lemon zest brightens the dish beautifully.
Add asparagus
Asparagus pairs perfectly with peas in risotto.
Storage Tips
Store leftover risotto in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: up to 4 days
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Freezing risotto is not recommended because it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes. Fresh peas work beautifully in this recipe.
Why does risotto need to be stirred?
Stirring helps release starch from the rice, creating a creamy texture.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with extra broth.
Disclaimer
This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian risotto techniques. Ingredient substitutions and cooking times may vary depending on kitchen equipment and ingredients used.
Creamy Pea Risotto
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend 1 cup of the peas with water until smooth to create a pea puree.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove and crumble.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped onion until soft.
- Add the Arborio rice and toast for 1–2 minutes while stirring.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Add warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing it to absorb before adding more.
- Stir in the pea puree, remaining peas, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Serve topped with crispy bacon and additional Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This creamy pea risotto is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines sweet green peas, creamy Arborio rice, and rich Parmesan cheese. The addition of crispy bacon adds depth and savory flavor, making this risotto both elegant and satisfying. Whether served as a main dish or a side, pea risotto is a delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite at home.