This Keto Lemon-Spinach Orzo has a delicious Parmesan finish and a refreshing lemon flavor. We prepare this orzo with cauliflower rice, orzo-style pasta, olive oil, garlic, spinach, lemon, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, and broth. This orzo contains about 250 calories and 10 g of total carbs. This orzo takes almost 25 minutes to prepare and cook. This Keto Lemon–Spinach Orzo is excellent for lunch, dinner, meal prep, light family meals, and quick weeknight dinners. You can serve this orzo with Lemon Garlic Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Roasted Asparagus, or Greek Cucumber Salad.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Lunch, Dinner
- No. of Calories: 250 kcal
- Diet: Keto, Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Portion Size: 1¼ cups
- Cooking Mode: Stovetop
- Total Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Total Carbs: 10 g
TOOLS:
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Lemon juicer
- Wooden spoon
INGREDIENTS:
- Cauliflower rice, two cups
- Keto orzo-style pasta, one cup
- Olive oil, two tbsp.
- Garlic, three cloves
- Broth, 1½ cups
- Spinach, three cups
- Zest of one lemon
- Salt, ¼ tsp.
- Lemon juice, two tbsp.
- Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup
- Parsley, two tbsp.
- Oregano, ½ tsp.
- Black pepper, ¼ tsp.
- Red pepper flakes, ½ tsp.
- Butter, one tbsp.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR KETO SUBSTITUTIONS:
KETO ORZO-STYLE PASTA:
- We have to utilize keto-friendly orzo-style pasta instead of traditional wheat orzo to keep the dish low in carbohydrates. Lupin-based orzo is one suitable option. Always check the package nutrition label.
CAULIFLOWER RICE:
- Cauliflower rice will add volume and a satisfying rice-like texture while keeping the recipe keto-friendly. Alternatively, you could use finely sliced zucchini.
OLIVE OIL:
- We utilize olive oil for cooking and Mediterranean flavor. As a further avocado oil.
GARLIC:
- Fresh garlic will provide a savory and aromatic flavor. You can use ½ tsp. garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.
SPINACH:
- Fresh spinach will add color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor. Frozen spinach can be used after thawing and squeezing out excess moisture.
LEMON:
- Lemon zest and fresh lemon juice will provide the bright citrus flavor of the dish. Fresh lime juice can be used for a slightly different flavor.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Parmesan will add a salty, savory, and creamy finish. As another choice, we may use Pecorino Romano or feta cheese.
BROTH:
- We utilize unsweetened low-sodium broth to cook the orzo. You might utilize vegetable broth or chicken broth as per your preference.
BUTTER:
- The recipe will be richer and creamier with butter, which is optional. For a non-dairy alternative, you might alternate it with more olive oil.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- We warm the olive oil in a big pan.
- Include the red pepper flakes and garlic; slowly cook for almost forty-five seconds.
- Put in the keto orzo and whisk to coat.
- Fill in the broth and slowly cook as mentioned on the pasta package instructions.
- Include the cauliflower rice while the last seven minutes of cooking.
- Blend in the spinach and cook till it wilts.
- Include the pepper, lemon zest, salt, lemon juice, and oregano.
- Bring it out of the flame and whisk in butter and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle parsley and serve hot.
TIPS:
- We utilize a big skillet so the elements will cook uniformly.
- Avoid cooking the cauliflower rice, as it will release extra moisture.
- Lastly, include the lemon juice to retain its fresh flavor.
- Include the salmon, cooked chicken, or shrimp if you like a higher-protein meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
PROTEINS:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Grilled Salmon
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Herb-Roasted Chicken
- Mediterranean Steak Bites
VEGETABLES:
- Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Butter Broccoli
- Mediterranean Zucchini
- Roasted Mushrooms
- Parmesan Green Beans
SALADS:
- Greek Cucumber Salad
- Avocado Feta Salad
- Mediterranean Tomato Salad
- Arugula Parmesan Salad
- Lemon Herb Salad
SIDES:
- Cauliflower Mash
- Keto Coleslaw
- Sautéed Spinach
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Green Beans
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the cooked orzo in a sealed box and the refrigerate for a maximum of four days.
FREEZER:
- Store the cooled orzo for a minimum of one month.
FAQs:
May we prepare this meal without keto orzo?
- Yes, you can increase the cauliflower rice and make a creamy lemon cauliflower-rice dish as a replacement.
Could we include chicken in this orzo?
- Yes, you can use the cooked sliced chicken to raise the protein and prepare it an extra complete main course.
May we utilize frozen spinach?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach, defrost it perfectly and squeeze out extra water and include it.
Will we utilize feta as a replacement for Parmesan?
- Yes, feta can alternate Parmesan and will deliver this orzo a stronger Greek-inspired flavor.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
No. of Calories: 250 kcal
Sodium: 430 mg
Net Carbs: 6 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fats: 16 g
Proteins: 10 g
Portion Size: 1¼ cups
Total Carbs: 10 g