Shrimp Orzo: A 30-Minute, One-Pan Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of about 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for those seeking a fast yet satisfying meal.

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in a single pan, reducing the time spent on cleaning up.

• Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein-rich shrimp and fiber-filled vegetables, this meal is both hearty and healthy.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to accommodate dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp: Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.

• Orzo: A short-cut pasta resembling long-grain rice.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Preferably packed in oil for added flavor.

• Spinach: Fresh leaves, though frozen can be used if thawed and well-drained.

• Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred, drained and chopped.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced.

• Olive Oil: For sautéing.

• Chicken Broth: For cooking the orzo; vegetable broth can be substituted.

• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the dish.

• Seasonings: Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Directions

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and shrimp; cook for about 2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo. Sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.

4. Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.

5. Combine Ingredients: Return shrimp to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

6. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different twist.

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrients and flavors.

• Grain Substitutes: Replace orzo with other small pasta shapes or even rice for a gluten-free option.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.

FAQs

How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking by searing shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

Unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream can be used as substitutes for heavy cream.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables or use plant-based protein alternatives.

What can I use instead of orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even arborio rice can be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I know when the orzo is cooked?

Orzo should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite, similar to al dente pasta.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead and combine them just before serving.

What wine pairs well with Shrimp Orzo?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors well.

How can I add more spice to the dish?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well, making it a good option for meal prepping.

Conclusion

Shrimp Orzo is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of seared shrimp, the creaminess of orzo, and the freshness of vegetables. Its quick preparation and minimal cleanup make it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Feel free to customize it to your liking and enjoy a satisfying meal in no time.

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Shrimp Orzo: A 30-Minute, One-Pan Delight

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This Shrimp Orzo recipe is a 30-minute, one-pan delight that combines garlic-seared shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick, healthy, and customizable with protein alternatives and vegetable variations. Minimal cleanup makes it ideal for stress-free cooking.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Orzo pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil

Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)

Artichoke hearts, canned or jarred, drained and chopped

Fresh garlic, minced

Olive oil

Chicken broth (vegetable broth works too)

Heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)

Seasonings: Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper

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Instructions

• Season the Shrimp: Mix shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink. Remove and set aside.

• Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté sun-dried tomatoes and orzo for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is tender.

• Add Vegetables: Stir in artichoke hearts and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.

• Combine: Return shrimp to skillet. Add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

• Serve: Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

• Protein alternatives: Try chicken or scallops instead of shrimp.

• Vegetable options: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus can be added.

• Grain substitutes: Swap orzo with small pasta or rice for a gluten-free option.