Spinach Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Crispy Bacon

Easy, flavorful spinach garlic parmesan orzo pasta with crispy bacon and gorgeous veggies like red bell pepper, corn, carrots, and spinach. This creamy garlic parmesan orzo recipe comes together in 30 minutes, is the perfect meal prep dinner, and is delicious hot or cold!

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon
• 10 ounces uncooked orzo pasta (about 1 2/3 cup uncooked orzo)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, after pasta is done boiling
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup shredded carrots (or carrots cut into matchsticks)
• 2/3 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 (5 ounce) package organic spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, plus more if desired
• Freshly ground salt and pepper
• To garnish: Fresh flat-leaf parsley + extra parmesan cheese, corn and bacon on top