Irresistible Shrimp Orzo Recipe: Zesty Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a delightful shrimp orzo brings culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple yet elegant dish.

Tender seafood nestles between soft pasta grains, creating a perfect harmony of textures.

Salt and herbs whisper delicate notes across each carefully prepared bite.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe sing with authentic coastal charm.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Dive into a plate that promises comfort and excitement in every forkful.

What Makes Shrimp Orzo So Delicious and Easy

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with vibrant ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes that instantly elevate the dish's taste profile.
• Streamline Cooking Process: Uses a single skillet for multiple steps, reducing cleanup time and making preparation super smooth and efficient.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one delicious meal, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a complete dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Allows simple ingredient swaps like different proteins or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Shrimp Orzo Recipe

• Shrimp: Fresh and succulent seafood that becomes the star protein of this delicious dish.

• Orzo: Small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for the shrimp.

• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the flavor of the shrimp and add depth to the entire dish.

• Garlic: Provides a rich, pungent flavor that complements the shrimp and adds complexity to the recipe.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Artichokes: Colorful and flavorful vegetables that bring texture, nutrition, and Mediterranean-inspired taste to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Stock, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create moisture, help develop flavors, and contribute to the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Shrimp Orzo

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Shrimp

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in shrimp and minced garlic, cooking quickly until they turn pink and develop a golden edge, about 2 minutes per side.

Transfer the sizzling shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 2: Toast and Simmer Orzo

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Uncooked orzo
• Olive oil

Saute the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing the orzo to become lightly golden.

Pour in chicken stock and a pinch of salt. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook while stirring occasionally, about 5-10 minutes, until orzo becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mediterranean Blend

• Fresh spinach
• Chopped artichokes
• Heavy cream

Mix until spinach wilts and ingredients combine beautifully.

Gently return the seared shrimp to the skillet, letting everything warm together for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Plate

Season with additional salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Tips to Cook Shrimp Orzo Perfectly

• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Toast orzo briefly in olive oil to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushy consistency.
• Add heavy cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Add spinach last moment to preserve bright green color and prevent overcooking.
• Taste and adjust salt levels gradually, as chicken stock and sun-dried tomatoes already contribute saltiness.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp Orzo Recipe

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken and add kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Edition: Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs, swap chicken stock with seafood stock, and mix in andouille sausage for a New Orleans-style dish.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas, add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers and zucchini, and use vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Pesto Infusion: Stir in homemade basil pesto during the final simmering stage, top with toasted pine nuts, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an herbal Mediterranean transformation.

What Complements Shrimp Orzo Best

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish to add bright, aromatic notes that enhance the sun-dried tomatoes and seafood complexity.
• Crusty Bread Partner: Serve with a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender shrimp and orzo.
• Mediterranean Side Salad: Create a light Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and olives to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing Mediterranean touch.

Proper Storage of Shrimp Orzo Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the dish to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and prevent separation.
• Place leftovers in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add extra cream if sauce looks dry.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium or large shrimp work perfectly. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, just thaw frozen shrimp completely before seasoning.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Each substitute will slightly change the sauce’s richness.

• How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?

The orzo is ready when it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). It should absorb most of the chicken stock and look plump. Taste test a few grains to check the texture.

Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm meets culinary delight in this shrimp orzo, blending succulent seafood with al dente pasta. Herb-infused and zesty, this dish brings coastal Greek flavors directly to your dinner table, promising a quick, elegant meal that delights and satisfies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 ounce (7 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking orzo)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Introduce shrimp and minced garlic to the hot skillet, cooking for 2 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and develop a golden exterior.
4. Transfer seared shrimp to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for the next stage.
5. In the same skillet, combine sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, and additional olive oil, toasting the ingredients for 2 minutes over medium heat.
6. Pour chicken stock into the skillet, seasoning with salt, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
7. Allow orzo to cook for 8-9 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta reaches a tender consistency.
8. Fold in fresh spinach, chopped artichokes, and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the spinach wilts and creates a luxurious sauce.
9. Return the previously seared shrimp to the skillet, letting the ingredients meld together for 2 minutes and ensuring everything is heated through.
10. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
11. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a vibrant and aromatic dish ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Toast the orzo carefully to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, watching the skillet closely during the 2-minute sauté.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture, patting them dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear.
• Select high-quality chicken stock to boost the overall depth of flavor in the dish, as it’s a key liquid component.
• Opt for baby spinach for quicker wilting and a more delicate texture in the final creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 704 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg