What’s your go-to weeknight meal? What is a shrimp pasta dish? What is comfort food? What’s your favorite creamy risotto recipe? I remember the first time I made this. I was trying to impress my then-new boyfriend (now my husband) and it was a total hit! Is it flavorful, surprisingly simple, and the creamy sauce? Is it addictive? What is your favorite shrimp orzo recipe? Making it again and again.
What is shrimp orzo?
What is shrimp orzo? It’s essentially a pasta dish where you combine tender shrimp with orzo pasta (that tiny, tiny pasta). Rice-shaped pasta) in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Think of it as a lighter, quicker version of shrimp risotto. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors, and the shrimp adds a subtle flavor. What is the best combination of sweetness and protein? I always use a good quality broth for the base of the sauce. It’s really delicious! What makes a difference? What is essentially a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. What are some good options for a casual weekend meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of the sweet shrimp, the creamy sauce, and the slight bite of the orzo is just perfect. What I love most about this **Shrimp Orzo Recipe** is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s one of those dishes that comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s also pretty cost-effective, especially if you can snag some shrimp on sale. And it’s so versatile! You can easily add different veggies, like asparagus or spinach, to make it even healthier. What makes it really stand out is that my kids actually *ask* for this dish – which is a major win in my book! Honestly, this is way easier and more satisfying than ordering takeout, and I know exactly what’s going into it. It’s a total winner! It’s also surprisingly light. Unlike some cream-based pasta dishes, this **Shrimp Orzo Recipe** won’t leave you feeling heavy and sluggish, I promise. It’s a perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and ease! You know those days when you feel like cooking, but not *really* cooking? This is *that* recipe.
How do you make shrimp orzo?
Quick Overview
How do I make Shrimp Orzo? I’ll start by sautéing some aromatics, then adding the orzo and broth. Let it simmer until the orzo is cooked through, then stir in some cream and cheese for that dreamy texture. Add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and perfect. What’s the best thing about cooking in one pot? What is the best way to keep an eye on the orzo while it simmers and stir it occasionally to prevent it from leaking. Is this whole process so simple?
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Orzo:
• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (I prefer medium or large size).
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras:
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup chopped asparagus or spinach
• Lemon wedges, for serving
How do I get
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
How do you heat olive oil in a Dutch oven? Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the dish.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the pot and toast it for a minute or two, stirring constantly. What is the nutty flavor of orzo? What’s a trick I learned from making risotto?
Step 3: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. If the orzo is cooked through, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender. After the broth has been absorbed, it will be able to pass through the intestine Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot. I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Set aside. Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If you like, serve immediately. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. What makes this dish so decadent?
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook shrimp, as they can become rubbery. I like to toss the shrimp in olive oil and garlic powder before adding them to the sauce. Pot for extra flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped parsley. Set aside. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired. This dish is best served hot, so don’t let it sit too long before serving!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good Side Dishes to serve with Shrimp Orzo? What is a good salad to serve with lemon? What are some good ways to soak up the creamy sauce? For a heartier meal, try serving it with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or kale. Brussels sprouts. What
What is a good light lunch?Pair it with a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity will cut through the richness of the orzo perfectly.
For a fancy dinner party: What are some ideas?Serve in small bowls as an appetizer. Garnish with a sprig of dill and olive oil for an elegant touch.
For a cozy night in:What is better than a warm blanket and white wine? I love a crisp Pinot Grigio with this dish.
Growing up, my family always served this (or a similar version with chicken) alongside simple dishes. What are the flavors that compliment each other so well?
What are some tips for perfecting shrimp orzo?
What are some tips for making shrimp orzo?
What are the best ShriWhere can I buy good quality fresh shrimp? Frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them before cooking. Is it safe to put them in a pot? If it is, pat them dry with paper towels. I always make sure to devein them properly; nobody wants to bite into a gritty shrimp!
Orzo Cooking: Don’t overcook the orzo! It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Keep an eye on it while it simmers and stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking. I’ve made the mistake of overcooking the orzo before, and it ends up being mushy. Trust me, you want to avoid that.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the pot after sautéing the aromatics. It adds a lovely acidity that balances the richness of the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. I also sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
Creaminess: Use heavy cream for the creamiest sauce. You can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Also, make sure the Parmesan cheese is finely grated so it melts easily into the sauce. I’ve tested this with almond milk and while it’s not quite the same rich flavor, it works in a pinch and actually results in a lighter dish.
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients! You can add different vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, or peas. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken, sausage, or tofu. I’ve even made this with leftover rotisserie chicken, and it was delicious! If you want to make it vegetarian, you could easily omit the shrimp and add some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Make ahead: You can prep most of this recipe ahead of time! Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and store them in individual containers. That way, when it’s time to cook dinner, everything is ready to go. Also, to save some extra time, you can buy pre-cooked shrimp! This is a game-changer on busy weeknights when you really don’t have much time to cook.
Seasoning: Taste, taste, taste! Season with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning; it really makes a difference in the final flavor of the dish. I always keep a bowl of sea salt and a pepper grinder nearby when I’m cooking, so I can easily adjust the seasoning as I go.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Shrimp Orzo Recipe** is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Room Temperature: Leaving it out for more than two hours isn’t ideal (especially with seafood), so get it cooled down quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in a shallow container. Reheating is best done gently to maintain the creamy texture. It will keep for about 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: While you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo and the shrimp might change a bit. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. I personally don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of the shrimp can become a bit rubbery. However, if you have a lot of leftovers, it’s better to freeze it than to let it go to waste!
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pot and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Reheating is best done gently, to preserve the creamy texture. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Glaze Timing Advice: Well, there’s no glaze here, but if there was, I’d say add it *after* reheating to keep it fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my beloved **Shrimp Orzo Recipe**! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal. The creamy sauce, the tender shrimp, and the perfectly cooked orzo… it’s a match made in heaven! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Pasta or my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. And hey, if you try it out, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your own variations and tips. Happy cooking, friends!
Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook orzo according to package directions.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in cooked orzo and diced tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
