Dreamy Creamy Shrimp with Orzo Recipe for Cozy Dinner Nights

Seafood enthusiasts crave this delectable creamy shrimp with orzo recipe that promises a delightful culinary journey.

Tender shrimp dance through a silky sauce, nestled among perfectly cooked pasta pearls.

The dish combines classic Mediterranean flavors with rich, comforting textures that elevate a simple weeknight meal.

Each bite brings a harmonious blend of succulent seafood and creamy pasta that melts in your mouth.

The ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and approachable.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs complete this irresistible plate that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo: Why It’s A Star Dish

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this mouthwatering shrimp and orzo dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Packed with Flavor: Bursting with smoky paprika, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce, this recipe offers a delightful combination of tastes that will excite your taste buds.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with protein-rich shrimp, nutrient-packed spinach and artichokes, this one-pan meal provides a wholesome and satisfying dining experience for the whole family.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Easily adaptable to different preferences, you can swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to create your own unique version of this delicious skillet meal.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo – What You’ll Need

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that serves as the primary protein in this creamy dish.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the flavor profile and add depth to the shrimp and overall dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the shrimp and provides a rich foundation for the recipe.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that adds a sharp, savory flavor to the dish.

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

• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the orzo and adds depth to the sauce.
• Cream: A rich ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious texture in the final dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Artichokes: Vegetables that provide additional flavor, nutrition, and texture to the creamy shrimp orzo.

How To Cook Creamy Shrimp With Orzo

Step 1: Spice Up The Shrimp

Grab your shrimp and sprinkle them with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Make sure each piece gets a delicious coating of these aromatic spices.

Step 2: Sizzle And Cook Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the shrimp and garlic, letting them dance and sear for 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden and slightly crisp.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Toast The Orzo

In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and orzo.

Stir and toast them for 2 minutes, allowing the orzo to develop a nutty flavor and slightly golden color.

Step 4: Simmer And Soften

Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the orzo cook until it becomes tender and absorbs the liquid, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Creamy Greens

Stir in fresh spinach, artichokes, and cream.

Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Final Touches

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet.

Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to reheat the shrimp and marry the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if needed.

Chef’s Notes For Creamy Shrimp Orzo Bliss

• Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Stir frequently while cooking to ensure even texture and prevent burning or clumping.
• Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based version.
• Substitute shrimp with chicken or white fish for a different protein option that works equally well.
• Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more texture.

Fun Add-Ons For Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Vegetarian Orzo Delight: Replace shrimp with sautéed tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Remix: Swap shrimp with diced chicken breast, keeping the same seasonings and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of orzo for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free creamy texture.

Serve Creamy Shrimp Orzo Like A Pro

• Sunset Dinner Plating: Arrange the creamy shrimp orzo on a white ceramic plate, letting the vibrant colors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach pop against the neutral background.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta cheese and kalamata olives to complement the orzo's rich, creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Pour a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to balance the dish's smoky paprika and creamy undertones, enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal's presentation.

Storing Creamy Shrimp Orzo Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Protect against freezer burn by using heavy-duty containers.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of stock or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes the seasoning special for the shrimp?

The combination of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper creates a bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

The recipe includes protein-rich shrimp, nutrient-dense spinach, and artichokes, making it a balanced meal with good nutritional value and lean protein.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No, you only need a large skillet and basic kitchen utensils like a spatula and measuring cups to prepare this one-pan meal.

Creamy Shrimp with Orzo Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic meets comfort in this Creamy Shrimp with Orzo masterpiece, blending succulent seafood and pasta in a luscious sauce. Rich flavors and elegant simplicity invite you to savor a delightful culinary journey through coastal cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (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)

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup artichoke hearts (chopped)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Infuse shrimp with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
2. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, and swiftly sauté shrimp and garlic for 2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
3. In the same sizzling skillet, introduce sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, toasting for 2 minutes to enhance their aromatic qualities.
4. Pour chicken stock into the skillet, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, nurturing the orzo until it becomes perfectly tender, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Gently fold in vibrant spinach, tender artichokes, and luxurious cream, continuing to cook until spinach gracefully wilts and ingredients meld.
6. Reintroduce the reserved shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to warm through and absorb the rich, creamy essence. Fine-tune seasonings with additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to create versatile protein options for different dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
• Keep shrimp tender by avoiding overcooking; they should turn pink and slightly curl, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg