Creamy Shrimp Orzo
A cozy, satisfying one-pot dinner combining tender shrimp and orzo pasta in a silky, garlic-laced cream sauce that feels both homey and elegant.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Use medium or large shrimp for the best texture.
- 1 cup orzo pasta Small, rice-shaped pasta.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth For vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Mild flavor option: use whole cloves smashed.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- to serve Parmesan cheese, grated For serving.
- to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and just beginning to color, about 30–60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add 1 pound of shrimp to the pot and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pot, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast for 1–2 minutes. Then, pour in 2 cups of broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook the orzo until tender but slightly firm, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Let it heat through for 1–2 minutes without boiling.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pot, mix gently, and let everything warm together for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, toss shrimp with olive oil and smoked paprika before roasting. Can include vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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