Heart-Healthy Creamy Parmesan Orzo
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Heart-Healthy Creamy Parmesan Orzo, a guilt-free twist on classic pasta dishes! Crafted with nutty whole wheat orzo, nutrient-packed baby spinach, and a creamy touch of grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence. Simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth and brightened with zesty lemon and fragrant basil, it’s a quick and wholesome meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a light main dish or elegant side, this heart-healthy orzo is rich in fiber, bursting with fresh ingredients, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors—making it a must-try for health-conscious food lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat orzo
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Begin by mincing the garlic cloves and roughly chopping the fresh basil leaves.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour the whole wheat orzo into the saucepan, stirring it around so that each grain is coated in the oil and garlic mixture.
Slowly add the low-sodium vegetable broth to the orzo, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the baby spinach into the orzo and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted, creating a creamy texture.
Add the lemon zest and black pepper for extra flavor.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving and enjoy your heart-healthy creamy Parmesan orzo.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1146 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.1 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1007 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 175.4 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 624 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 861 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
