Cheesy Orzo
Creamy, cheesy orzo pasta with fragrant thyme and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, comforting meal that suits both casual dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare orzo pasta according to package directions; drain.
- In a small saucepan, sauté chopped onion in reduced-calorie margarine for 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Stir in all-purpose flour and salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually stir in skim milk and thyme.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Stir the cooked orzo into the cheese sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese curls and a sprig of thyme.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a bit more cheese. If you want to lighten the dish further, you can substitute the margarine with olive oil. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor. This recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarian recipes by using vegetable broth instead of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy orzo makes a delightful main dish or a side dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. It pairs beautifully with Soft Zucchini Cookies for a balanced meal that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the orzo and warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Orzo contains roughly 255 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape like ditalini or mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking times.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make Cheesy Orzo more filling, consider adding cooked vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or peas. You can also stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, turning it into a heartier meal.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Cheesy Orzo gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo pasta and ensure that your flour is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free all-purpose flour that works as a great substitute in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).