🍋 Zero-Net-Carb Orzo Lemon Risotto Servings: 4 generous servings Approx. per serving: 170 calories | 7g protein | 6g total carbs | ~4g net carbs | 13g fat Ingredients * 2 bags It’s Skinny Zero-Net-Carb Orzo, drained & rinsed * 2 cloves garlic, finely grated * ¼ cup Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto * 1 heaping tsp Fire & Smoke Society Lemon Pepper * ¼ cup half & half * 3 Tbsp water, plus more as needed * ¾ cup grated Parmesan, divided * ½ cup stirred into the risotto * ¼ cup for topping * Garlic salt, to taste * Pinch of turmeric, optional, for color * Freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish * Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish * Very light oil spray for the pan Directions 1. Drain and thoroughly rinse both bags of zero-net-carb orzo. 2. Very lightly spray a large skillet with oil and place over medium heat. Add the orzo, then grate in the garlic. 3. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring fairly consistently, allowing the garlic to soften and become fragrant without browning or burning. 4. Add the lemon pesto, lemon pepper and half & half. Add about 3 tablespoons of water — I used mine to rinse out the lemon pesto jar so none of that flavor went to waste! 5. Stir everything together and continue cooking over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, creamy and well combined. Add another splash of water or half & half as needed to reach your desired consistency. 6. Turn off the heat, then stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan, garlic salt to taste and an optional pinch of turmeric for a little extra golden color. Stir until the Parmesan is melted and the risotto is creamy. 7. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley. Calories & Macros Per serving — ¼ of recipe: ~170 calories ~7g protein ~6g total carbs ~4g net carbs ~13g fat The It’s Skinny orzo itself contains zero net carbs — its carbohydrates come from fiber. The small amount of net carbs in the finished dish comes from ingredients like the lemon pesto, half & half, garlic and Parmesan. Nutrition is approximate and may vary slightly depending on the exact brands and amounts used. #LowCalorieRecipes #HealthyComfortFood #EasyDinnerIdeas #HealthyRecipes #MadeByMegRecipes - @meghanmerrigan