Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is a delightful one-pan Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp seared to perfection, combined with toasted orzo simmered in flavorful chicken broth, and finished with a rich blend of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh spinach, this comforting meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh spinach, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to turn golden and smelling nutty. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine and allow the sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Return Shrimp and Garnish: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute to heat the shrimp through. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh spinach just before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- You can add garlic or onions when toasting the orzo for extra flavor.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium levels.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added as garnish for added freshness.
Keywords: Tuscan shrimp orzo, creamy shrimp pasta, one-pan meal, Italian shrimp recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan orzo, quick dinner
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/creamy-tuscan-shrimp-orzo-recipe/
