Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe
A hearty and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, tender orzo, and a creamy, Tuscan-inspired sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Shrimp: 1 lb (peeled, deveined)
Orzo: 1 cup
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
Onion: 1 small (finely chopped)
Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup (chopped)
Spinach: 2 cups (fresh)
Chicken or vegetable broth: 2½ cups
Heavy cream or coconut milk: ½ cup
Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (grated)
Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
Paprika: ½ tsp
Salt and pepper: To taste
Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the shrimp: Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté shrimp for 2 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
Toast the orzo: Add orzo to the skillet, stirring for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it.
Simmer: Pour in the broth and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid (8-10 minutes).
Finish the dish: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until creamy and spinach wilts. Add the cooked shrimp back in.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes:
Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
Ensure not to overcook shrimp to maintain its tenderness.
Tips:
Use pre-cooked shrimp for an even faster meal.
Swap orzo with quinoa, couscous, or rice for variety.
Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Double the recipe for meal prep—it reheats beautifully!
Nutritional Info (per serving) (Serves 4)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fats: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: ~800mg
Benefits:
High in protein: Shrimp provides lean protein for muscle repair and energy.
Rich in antioxidants: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals.
Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on flavor.
One-pan meal: Saves time on cleanup.
Q/A
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, replace orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess water.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.