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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Infuse shrimp with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
- 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.
- In the same sizzling skillet, introduce sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, toasting for 2 minutes to enhance their aromatic qualities.
- 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.
- Gently fold in vibrant spinach, tender artichokes, and luxurious cream, continuing to cook until spinach gracefully wilts and ingredients meld.
- 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