Creamy Shrimp Orzo 🍤

Creamy Shrimp Orzo: A Luxurious and Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Introduction

Searching for a quick yet luxurious weeknight dinner? This Creamy Shrimp Orzo recipe is just what you need. Featuring succulent shrimp, tender orzo, and a rich cream sauce speckled with sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. It’s a perfect meal that comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, large, peeled, and deveined (16 or 20 count)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (blend of thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

• Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.

3. Cook the Orzo:

• In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked orzo with a bit more olive oil. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the orzo is slightly browned.
• Add chicken stock and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.

4. Add Vegetables and Cream:

• Mix in spinach, chopped artichokes, and cream. Stir over low-medium heat until the spinach has wilted.

5. Final Touches:

• Return the seared shrimp to the skillet with the orzo and cream sauce. Simmer for about 2 minutes or until everything is heated through.
• Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor!

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cooking Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Calories: 450 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Orzo dish is not only comforting but also impressively flavorful. The combination of garlic-infused shrimp, rich cream, and hearty vegetables makes it a complete meal that satisfies both the palate and the eye. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the flavors and the ease of this fantastic recipe tonight!

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