Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious and wholesome Paleo Creamy Parmesan Orzo recipe—without the grains or dairy! Perfectly suited for paleo enthusiasts, this innovative dish uses finely riced cauliflower as a grain-free alternative to orzo, combined with the creamy richness of almond milk and the umami punch of nutritional yeast. A hint of garlic and sautéed onion lend depth to the flavor, while a touch of arrowroot powder creates the perfect velvety texture. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this dish is ready in just 35 minutes and makes an ideal side or standalone meal. Whether you're following a paleo diet or simply seeking a healthy, gluten-free twist on classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Begin by preparing the cauliflower rice. Remove leaves and stem from the cauliflower, then cut into smaller florets.
Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften.
In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
Add almond milk and nutritional yeast to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Pour in the arrowroot slurry and stir well to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Calories |
693 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.7 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3729 mg | 162% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.1 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.0 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 646 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 3012 mg | 64% | |
*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.