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:
- Season the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- 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:
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the chicken stock adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- 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!
