I recently made this shrimp orzo recipe, and honestly, I can’t stop raving about it! Imagine tender shrimp paired with creamy, flavorful orzo and vibrant veggies, all cooked to perfection in one pan. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
What’s even better is you can pair this dish with other easy sides like easy boiled potatoes for a well-rounded meal. Read on to find out just how easy and versatile this dish is!
Ingredients for Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Gather these ingredients to create this creamy, one-pan meal:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): Use large shrimp for the best texture. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they tend to get rubbery.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor of the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of thyme, oregano, and basil adds a herby aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper (each): Balances flavors while seasoning the shrimp and sauce.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a punch of rich flavor while complementing the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing shrimp and preventing sticking.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo: This pasta cooks fast and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Helps cook the orzo while adding depth to the dish. Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings in a slight tang and sweetness.
- 4 oz fresh spinach: Use fresh for the best color and texture; frozen spinach works too if well-drained.
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, chopped (1 cup): These add a subtle tang to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly creamy sauce. Can substitute with half-and-half for fewer calories.
Note: This recipe makes enough for 4 generous servings. Adjust quantities if cooking for larger groups.
Variations of Shrimp Orzo
Shrimp orzo is already versatile, but here are some ways to switch things up:
- Make it dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk for a creamy texture.
- Add heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Go vegetarian: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Use other seafood: Scallops, crab meat, or salmon work beautifully in this recipe.
- Cheesy twist: Toss in freshly grated Parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
Check out more dinner recipes from this collection of ideas.
Cooking Time
Knowing the timing ensures a stress-free cooking experience:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This one-pan masterpiece is ready in just half an hour!
Equipment You Need
A few kitchen tools make preparing shrimp orzo a breeze:
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking everything in one pan, avoiding extra mess.
- Knife and chopping board: Perfect for slicing veggies and mincing garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Mixing spoon: To stir the dish without scratching your pan’s surface.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Making this shrimp orzo is super fun and easy. Follow these steps for the perfect dish!
Sear the Shrimp
To start, season your shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp on each side for about 2 minutes until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet (no need to wash), add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and olive oil. Stir and toast the orzo for 2 minutes until it’s slightly golden and fragrant. This adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Cook the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Add the Veggies and Cream
Once the orzo absorbs most of the broth, stir in the chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and heavy cream. Cook on a low heat until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything
Add the seared shrimp back to the skillet and gently mix them into the creamy orzo. Heat everything through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some personal tips to elevate your shrimp orzo every time:
- Use fresh garlic: It’s so much more aromatic than pre-minced varieties.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them chewy.
- Serve immediately: Cream-based dishes taste best fresh. Reheating can change their texture.
- Thin out the sauce if needed: Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much when cooling.
- Be mindful of orzo cooking time: Check it regularly, as overcooked orzo can turn mushy.
How to Serve Shrimp Orzo Recipe
For a complete meal, serve shrimp orzo alongside crusty bread or a light salad. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle extra olive oil or sprinkle grated Parmesan on top right before serving. Pair this dish with a refreshing drink or enjoy it with a side dish like smothered baked chicken burritos for a feast-worthy dinner.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 690 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Fat | 40g |
How to Store Shrimp Orzo
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: While cream-based dishes don’t freeze well, you can freeze this in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp orzo recipe has something for everyone. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with just 30 minutes of prep and cook time.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy the meal!
- Customizable: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to fit dietary preferences.
- Restaurant-quality: Fancy enough for dinner parties but simple enough for everyday cooking.
- Kid-friendly: The creamy sauce and shrimp are sure to win over picky eaters.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra liquid in the skillet.
What can I use instead of orzo?
You can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice for a different texture.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free orzo or replace it with long-grain rice.
Can I make it ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.
Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Season Shrimp: Season shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and olive oil. Toast for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Cook Orzo in Broth: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Veggies and Cream: Stir in chopped spinach, artichokes, and heavy cream. Cook on low until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Combine and Heat: Add shrimp back, stir gently, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic: It’s so much more aromatic than pre-minced varieties.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them chewy.
- Serve immediately: Cream-based dishes taste best fresh. Reheating can change their texture.
- Thin out the sauce if needed: Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much when cooling.
- Be mindful of orzo cooking time: Check it regularly, as overcooked orzo can turn mushy.