🍤 Tuscan Shrimp Orzo
Description:
This Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is a creamy, one-pan meal packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Tender shrimp are sautéed with garlic and onions, then simmered with orzo pasta in a flavorful, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and fresh spinach. It’s quick, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes.
🧄 Ingredients:
- Shrimp – 1 lb (peeled and deveined)
- Orzo – 1 cup (dry)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- Spinach – 2 cups (fresh)
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional)
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
- Fresh basil – for garnish (optional)
🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté chopped onions for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Base:
- Add orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread.
👩🍳 Tips:
- Orzo substitute: You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous if orzo is unavailable.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese.
- Add-ins: Sundried tomatoes, artichokes, or olives add more Mediterranean flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
🍽️ Servings:
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
🌿 Health Benefits:
- High protein from shrimp supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Spinach adds iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Tomatoes provide lycopene for heart health.
- Olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats.
❓ Q & A:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: It’s mild. Add more red pepper flakes for heat.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked rice or quinoa.