Low Carb Creamy Spinach Orzo with Parmesan

This recipe is easy to make and so delicious that you will be looking forward to having the leftovers for lunch the next day. In fact, you may want to make a double recipe to be sure there is enough for tomorrow! This Low-Carb Creamy Spinach Orzo with Parmesan tastes so good and is so satisfying that you may have trouble believing that it's okay for a low-carb diet. 

The butter or olive oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese add fat that may be just what you are looking for on a high-fat keto diet. If you are looking for lower-fat or lower-calorie choices, you can use chicken bouillon instead of olive oil, fat free half and half instead of heavy cream, and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.

The Great Low Carb Pasta - Rice (Orzo) and Parmesan cheese are high in protein, but if you are on the hunt for more protein, you can add ground turkey, chicken breast, or salmon that is freshly cooked or is leftover. You can also swap asparagus or green beans for the spinach leaves that it calls for. If you do, just cut your choice of vegetables into 1-inch pieces and cook them for a little longer, about 3 extra minutes, to be sure that the vegetables have softened

Low-Carb, High-Protein Orzo

This recipe is low in carbs and high in protein, largely due to the Great Low Carb Pasta - Rice (Orzo). Each serving of this orzo has only 7 grams of net carbs, including 12 grams of dietary fiber. It also has 19 grams of protein, which is the amount in 2.5 ounces of chicken. The protein sources in Great Low Carb Pasta - Rice (Orzo) are pea protein isolate and egg white.

Recipe for Low Carb Creamy Spinach Orzo with Parmesan

Serves 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces of Low Carb Orzo (about half a package)
• 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves or baby spinach leaves
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• 2 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
• ½ teaspoon paprika, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Garnish: Basil leaves, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the Low Carb Orzo according to package directions, or bring water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes or until al dente, checking frequently. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet and add the pressed garlic. Cook for two minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a boil, then quickly lower the heat to reduce it to a simmer. Stir in the spinach and let it cook gently for 4 minutes. Turn off the heat.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese, green onion, and paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Add the orzo and stir everything together. Plate the orzo and serve it with any garnishes as desired.