Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp & Orzo is a sophisticated, one-pan wonder. Featuring juicy shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian herbs over a bed of orzo simmered in a rich sun-dried tomato and artichoke cream sauce.
Ingredients
The Shrimp
- 1 lb raw large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Spice Blend: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp each salt/pepper
The Orzo & Cream Sauce
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Season & Sear: Toss shrimp with spices. Sauté in oil with garlic for 2 mins per side until opaque. Set aside.
Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, cook orzo and sun-dried tomatoes in oil for 2 mins until fragrant.
Simmer: Add chicken stock and salt. Simmer 5–10 mins until liquid is mostly absorbed.
Build Sauce: Stir in artichokes, spinach, and heavy cream until spinach wilts.
Combine: Add shrimp back to the skillet. Simmer 2 mins until sauce thickens. Serve hot.
Notes
Toasting is Key: Developed nuttiness separates good orzo from great orzo.
Liquid Management: If orzo is too firm and liquid is gone, add 1/4 cup extra stock.
Shrimp Crowding: Sear in batches if needed to ensure a golden crust rather than steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp, orzo recipes, one pan shrimp dinner, mediterranean orzo, sun dried tomato shrimp, 30 minute date night dinner, creamy artichoke pasta