This low carb orzo dish is filling, creamy, and loaded with spinach and Parmesan! A comforting vegetarian and LCHF recipe.
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So what is orzo? Although it looks like rice, it's actually pasta! Here's what wiki says:
Orzo; from Italian for ”barley”, also known as risoni (‘large [grains of] rice'), is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Orzo is traditionally made from white flour, but it can also be made of whole grain. The name orzo is common for this pasta shape in North America.”
But whether it's rice or pasta – how it can it be low carb? Well, check out this new product from The Great Low Carb Bread Company:
Yes – the Great Low Carb Bread Co also make pasta! You can buy it direct for $7.99, or from other stores like Netrition ($8.49) or Amazon Prime ($9.88). Prices correct at time this post was published in 2020.
So what is it made of? Well the ingredients list isn't too scary: Pea protein isolate, oat fiber, wheat fiber, egg whites, wheat gluten, semolina (Please note that this product is NOT gluten free). And it's 7g net carbs per 2 oz serving. So I totally understand if the carb count and/or the price is a little too high for some of you – but it really is a very good product that even people not low-carbing enjoy! And it might make a nice change to have a meal that tastes so “normal”!!!
Don't they kind of look like slivered almonds?!?
How to Make Low Carb Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan
Cook the orzo in boiling water according to the pack instructions – about 8-10 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, heat some oil in a skillet or cast iron pan and add some baby spinach, garlic paste, and heavy cream. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Add some shredded Parmesan and chopped green onions to the pan and stir to combine.
Drain the orzo and add it to the sauce. Mix well, and season with black pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with shaved Parmesan.
This is a really nice meal to enjoy for lunch, as it is relatively quick to cook and no preparation time! The final carb count for the meal is 10g net carbs per person (and 28g of protein per serving!). If the carbs are too high for your way of eating, considering serving it as an appetizer for four people!
You might also like my low carb orzo salad!
Low Carb Orzo with Spinach and Parmesan
This low carb orzo dish is filling, creamy, and loaded with spinach and Parmesan! A comforting vegetarian and LCHF recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 oz low carb orzo pasta
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 oz baby spinach
- 1 tsp garlic paste or minced garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 2 green onions, chopped
- black pepper
- shaved Parmesan, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in boiling water according to the pack instructions - about 8-10 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet or cast iron pan and add the baby spinach, garlic, and cream. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the shredded Parmesan and green onions to the pan and stir to combine.
- Drain the orzo and add it to the sauce. Mix well, and season with black pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with shaved Parmesan.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size Half the recipeAmount Per Serving Calories 478Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 82mgSodium 445mgCarbohydrates 23gNet Carbohydrates 10gFiber 13gSugar 2gProtein 28g