Low Fat Creamy Parmesan Orzo
Indulge in the rich, velvety flavor of **Low Fat Creamy Parmesan Orzo**, a lighter twist on the classic creamy pasta dish. This recipe combines the comforting familiarity of orzo pasta with the wholesome goodness of fat-free Greek yogurt and low-sodium broth, creating a luscious, guilt-free sauce. Toasted orzo is simmered to tender perfection before being bathed in a blend of grated Parmesan, a touch of melted butter, and aromatic garlic, delivering maximum flavor without the excess calories. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect quick side or satisfying main course. Simple, flavorful, and healthier, this creamy Parmesan orzo is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Begin by heating a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir it continuously for about 2 minutes until it's slightly toasted.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pan and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fat-free Greek yogurt until it's well incorporated.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or a main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1089 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1660 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.5 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 55.5 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 684 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 458 mg | 10% | |
*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.
