Parmesan Basil Orzo

We love this recipe!  It's now a staple in our rotation.  Easy to make while something is baking in the oven.  I'm posting the original recipe, but I halved the butter and cheese to make it healthier and it's delicious.  I've never made the version with the full amounts!

Ingredients:

• 3 Tablespoons Butter (I used only 1.5 Tbs)
• 1-½ cup Orzo
• 3 cups Chicken Or Vegetable Stock
• 6 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Basil (I used 2 Tbs. dried)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (I used 1/2 a cup)
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• ¼ teaspoons Pepper

 Cooking Info:

Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and saute for a few minutes (if using the dried basil, add it now and saute it with the orzo), until the orzo starts to get golden brown. 

Add the broth and cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until all the broth has been absorbed. 

Remove from the heat, add the basil and Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

 Serve With:  Greek Yogurt Chicken

Nutrition Info:

This is calculated using 1.5 Tbs butter and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.  This makes about 3.5 cups of orzo so it's calculated as 7 one half cup servings!

Calories:  238
Fat:  6.2 g
Cholesterol:  14.4 mg
Sodium:  512.5 mg
Total Carbs: 36.8 g
Fiber:  1.7 g
Sugars: 2.1 g
Protein:  10.6 g