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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

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A rich, creamy, and bright one-skillet meal featuring tender shrimp, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and sear the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add shrimp in a single layer, cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Start the aromatic base: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast the orzo: Add dry orzo to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until edges turn slightly golden.
  4. Add broth and cream: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Wilt the spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted and incorporated.
  6. Finish with Parmesan and lemon: Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Return the shrimp: Nestle cooked shrimp back into the orzo, let sit for a minute to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook in about 4 minutes total. Toast the orzo for deeper flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Stir orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Let the dish rest for a minute before serving. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter, coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan shrimp orzo, 30-minute meal, one-skillet dinner, shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-tuscan-shrimp-orzo-easy-30-minute-meal/