Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes

Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes

Welcome back, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress your guests: Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, tender orzo, and vibrant spinach and artichokes in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the shrimp:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, large, peeled, and deveined (16 or 20 count per pound of shrimp)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (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
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the Shrimp:
   • In a bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. 🍤
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the shrimp and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. 🍳
   • Ensure the shrimp are not overcrowded to avoid steaming. You might have to work in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp to a plate. 🍤➡️🍽️
3. Prepare the Orzo:
   • Using the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of uncooked orzo, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the orzo on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned. 🍅+🍝
4. Cook the Orzo:
   • Add 2 cups of chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for about 5-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked through. 🍲
5. Combine Vegetables and Cream:
   • Add spinach, artichokes, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts and the sauce is well combined. 🌿+🫒+🍶
6. Finish the Dish:
   • Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, mixing them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for about 2 minutes (or more), until everything is warmed through. 🍤+🍲
7. Season and Serve:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add more smoked paprika if desired. 🌶️🧂
   • Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!

Nutrition Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 320 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

This Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes dish is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests satisfied. The smoky paprika and Italian seasoning enhance the shrimp, while the creamy orzo with spinach and artichokes provides a comforting base. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking! 🍽️✨

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