Chili Crisp Orzo with Peas and Bacon

Creamy, savory, and delicious, this Chili Crisp Orzo with Peas and Bacon is a quick weeknight meal packed with flavor, crunch, and a spicy umami kick.

If you’ve been anywhere near a food trend lately, you’ve probably noticed it: chili crisp is taking over the culinary world. Sweet, savory, spicy, crunchy—it’s become the ingredient everyone wants to slather on or stir into dishes. What started with Lao Gan Ma’s iconic chili crisp has now exploded into countless versions available in almost every grocery store—even Western ones like Walmart and Target. Even Costco is selling it now! And honestly? I get it. That mix of crunchy chili bits suspended in fragrant, slightly smoky oil is downright addictive.

I wanted to see what happens when I add that irresistible chili crunch to a comforting pasta dish. The result is this creamy, slightly spicy Chili Crisp Orzo with Peas and Bacon. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend indulgence.

A Little Background on Chili Crisp

Chili crisp has its origins in Sichuan cuisine, where the combination of chili, oil, and crunchy aromatics creates a balance of heat, texture, and umami. Lao Gan Ma, founded by Tao Huabi in the 1990s, is credited with popularizing this condiment internationally. Today, you’ll find versions with garlic, fermented soybeans, onions, and even peanuts, all designed to add depth and crunch to any dish—sweet or savory.

In this pasta, the chili crisp brings both heat and texture, transforming a simple orzo dish into something vibrant and crave-worthy. The crispy chili bits and aromatic oil cling to the pasta and bacon, while the peas and optional chicken make it hearty enough for a full meal.

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and becomes wonderfully creamy when simmered, making it perfect for one-pot dishes like this chili crisp pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – From start to finish, this comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Comfort Food with a Kick – The creamy orzo is elevated by bacon, peas, and that irresistible chili crisp heat and crunch.
3. Versatile Protein Options – I love adding leftover rotisserie chicken for a complete meal, but it’s also fantastic without.
4. Trend-Worthy Ingredient – Chili crisp adds a crunchy, spicy, savory punch that’s suddenly everywhere, making this pasta feel extra special.

Ingredients and Substitutions

1. Unsalted butter – Can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
2. Garlic – Freshly minced or grated garlic is best
3. Bacon bits – Store-bought, cooked bacon bits, or homemade bacon. For a vegetarian option, use smoked mushrooms or tempeh bacon.
4. Chili crisp sediment – Use any brand of chili crisp. I use lao gan ma brand
5. Frozen peas – Fresh peas or other small vegetables like edamame, corn, or green beans work.
6. Orzo – Substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even couscous.
7. Chicken broth – Vegetable broth or water with a splash of soy sauce can be used instead.
8. Black pepper & salt – Adjust to taste; you can use white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
9. Rotisserie chicken – Optional; shredded cooked chicken, leftover cooked meat, tofu, or tempeh can also work.

Variations

1. Seafood Version: Add cooked shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a quick seafood pasta.
2. Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino for a richer, creamier version.
3. Veggie Boost: Add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
4. Whole Grain Orzo: Use whole wheat orzo to make it more fiber-rich while keeping the creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

1. Pre-cook the orzo: You can cook the orzo ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth and stir in chili crisp, peas, and protein when ready to serve.
2. Prepare chili crisp base: Mix the garlic, bacon, and chili crisp ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add to hot orzo right before serving.
3. Freeze for later: While the pasta is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers without the chili crisp topping. Add the chili crisp after reheating to preserve the crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between chili crisp and chili oil?
Chili oil is usually just oil infused with dried chili, while chili crisp contains crunchy bits like fried garlic, onion, or soybeans, giving it both flavor and texture. That crunch is what makes chili crisp so addictive.
2. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes! Just blanch them briefly before adding so they stay tender and sweet.
3. What if I don’t eat bacon?
You can skip it or use another smoky protein, like sautéed mushrooms, smoked tofu, or pancetta if you eat pork alternatives.
4. How spicy is this pasta?
It depends on your chili crisp. Lao Gan Ma is moderate, but other brands vary. Start with less and add more to taste.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

This Chili Crisp Orzo with Peas and Bacon is the perfect introduction to cooking with this trend-worthy condiment. Creamy, spicy, and just a touch crunchy, it’s the ultimate comfort food for anyone looking to spice up their weeknight dinners.