Low Sodium Creamy Parmesan Orzo
Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Low Sodium Creamy Parmesan Orzo, a healthier twist on a classic comfort dish! This easy, one-pot recipe features tender orzo pasta toasted to golden perfection before being simmered in low-sodium broth, ensuring all the savory flavor you crave without the extra salt. Whole milk and freshly grated Parmesan create a luscious, velvety sauce, while a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add depth and brightness to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is a delicious side or meatless main that’s as versatile as it is nourishing. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and light for a meal the whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Melt the unsalted butter with olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add the orzo pasta to the saucepan and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to turn golden.
Pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Stir in the whole milk and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season the dish with ground black pepper to taste.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 118.1 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.6 g | 318% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 282 mg | 94% | |
| Sodium | 4008 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.3 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g | ||
| Protein | 133.0 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.1 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 3049 mg | 235% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1017 mg | 22% | |
*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.
