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Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)

Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)

Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)

This Shrimp Orzo is a delicious, quick, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and flavorful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach creates a satisfying dish with bold Mediterranean flavors. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb raw shrimp (large, peeled, and deveined – about 16 to 20 shrimp per pound)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup orzo, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
  • 4 oz fresh spinach (about 2 large handfuls)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season and Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

2. Cook the Orzo and Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  2. Add the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken stock: Pour in the chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

  1. Add artichokes and spinach: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

4. Add the Shrimp and Serve:

  1. Add the shrimp back to the skillet: Stir the cooked shrimp into the orzo mixture and let everything heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
  2. Ready in 30 Minutes: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  3. Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, and heavy cream creates a rich and vibrant sauce that coats the orzo perfectly.
  4. Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding different vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, or using shrimp alternatives like chicken or tofu.

Tips for Success:

  1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure to only cook them until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
  2. Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the chicken stock adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
  3. Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the dish a little longer after adding the cream. For a looser sauce, add a splash more chicken stock or cream.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the shrimp with roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing for a touch of heat.
  • Lemon Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp or stir in some lemon zest to add a bright, citrusy flavor.

This Shrimp Orzo is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors in a creamy, satisfying meal. The tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and the mix of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes create a delicious harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a perfect option for a quick dinner that feels indulgent and wholesome at the same time!

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