Creamy Parmesan Orzo

Unlike traditional pasta, this orzo isn't cooked in a pot of boiling water. Instead, it's cooked slowly in a flavorful broth that captures its starch.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  butter
• 1  cup  orzo
• 1 1/4  cups  fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4  cups  water
• 1/4  cup  (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 4  teaspoons  pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add orzo, and cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and orzo is done (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with the pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

236 (24% from fat)

Fat:

6.4g (sat 3.2g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.8g)

Protein:

9.9g

Carbohydrate:

34.8g

Fiber:

1.7g

Cholesterol:

12mg

Iron:

1.8mg

Sodium:

412mg

Calcium:

82mg