Zesty Shrimp Orzo Delight Recipe: Simple Seafood Magic

Tender succulent shrimp dancing through a delectable orzo delight creates a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure that tantalizes every taste bud.

Vibrant colors and fresh ingredients merge into a harmonious dish bursting with flavor and texture.

Aromatic herbs and perfectly seasoned seafood make this recipe shine on your dinner table.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of soft pasta and juicy shrimp that melts in your mouth.

The simple yet elegant preparation ensures a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques guarantee a stress-free cooking experience.

Serve this mouthwatering shrimp orzo delight and watch dinner conversations come alive with appreciation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes in Shrimp Orzo

• Shrimp: Wild-caught or sustainably farmed varieties offer the best ocean-fresh flavor and tender texture.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth to the seafood's delicate profile.

• Orzo: Rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy, hearty foundation for the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Provides rich, savory undertones that elevate the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Delivers smooth, silky richness and helps develop golden-brown caramelization.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweetness and tangy Mediterranean essence.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-packed freshness.
• Artichokes: Brings subtle earthiness and unique textural complexity.
• Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety smoothness in the final sauce.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky, warm undertones that complement the shrimp.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses classic herb blend with Mediterranean character.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle, aromatic heat and subtle spiciness.

Tools to Cook the Perfect Shrimp Orzo

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and cooking orzo with perfect browning and even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir ingredients and prevent sticking while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Precise for adding chicken stock and measuring orzo.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Instructions for Preparing Shrimp Orzo

• Shrimp Seasoning

Select fresh shrimp and coat with aromatic spices that create a warm, complex flavor profile. The blend of smoky paprika and herbal seasonings will transform ordinary seafood into something extraordinary.

• Skillet Searing

Create a golden sear on shrimp using high heat and a touch of olive oil. Quickly cook until edges turn pink and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior, releasing rich flavors that promise a delectable meal.

• Orzo Foundation

Transform the skillet into a canvas for building layers of flavor. Toast orzo with sun-dried tomatoes, allowing each grain to absorb the delicious remnants of the shrimp’s cooking process.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken stock into the skillet, creating a silky cooking environment for the orzo. Let the grains simmer gently, absorbing liquid and becoming perfectly tender.

• Vegetable Symphony

Introduce vibrant spinach and creamy artichokes to the dish. Watch as the greens soften and meld with the rich sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

• Final Fusion

Reunite the seared shrimp with the creamy orzo mixture. Gently warm everything together, allowing the flavors to dance and intertwine into a complete culinary experience.

Tips for Seafood Flavor in Shrimp Orzo

• Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or white fish for a delightful alternative protein that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or kalamata olives on top to enhance the Mediterranean profile and add a tangy, salty dimension to the orzo.
• Skip the shrimp and add roasted chickpeas or extra firm tofu for a plant-based version that maintains the recipe's rich, creamy texture.
• Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Cook the dish in larger batches and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy weekdays.

Serving Shrimp Orzo for Any Occasion

• Plate with Mediterranean Charm: Arrange the colorful shrimp orzo on a white ceramic plate, showcasing the vibrant green spinach and golden-brown shrimp against the creamy backdrop.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and bright, aromatic flavor that complements the rich dish.
• Pair with Light Wine: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy texture and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
• Add Crusty Bread Side: Include a slice of warm, crusty Mediterranean bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal with a satisfying crunch.

How to Store Shrimp Orzo

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep shrimp and orzo separate from delicate greens to maintain texture.
• Freeze with Care: Portion meal into freezer-safe containers, removing spinach before freezing. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent seafood from becoming tough.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp and orzo components separately during weekly cooking. Combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy textures.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Pack individual portions for office or school meals. Use insulated containers to keep dish warm and appetizing until lunchtime.

Succulent Shrimp Orzo Feast Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired shrimp orzo delight offers a symphony of flavors from Greece’s coastal kitchens. Succulent shrimp nestled among tender pasta creates a memorable dining experience you will savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, large, raw, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
• 1 cup (185 g) orzo, uncooked
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 14 oz (397 g) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 oz (113 g) fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt (for shrimp)
• ¼ tsp salt (for orzo)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Create a flavor-packed coating by blending smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, thoroughly massaging the mixture into the shrimp.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sear shrimp and garlic until golden-brown and just opaque, then transfer to a holding plate.
3. Pasta Toasting: In the same skillet, toast sun-dried tomatoes and orzo with additional olive oil, stirring continuously to develop a deep, nutty flavor profile.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken stock into the skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook orzo uncovered, stirring periodically until achieving perfect al dente texture.
5. Creamy Fusion: Incorporate baby spinach, artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken and spinach to wilt while creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Return seared shrimp to the skillet, gently warming through and allowing flavors to meld, then fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper to create a harmonious, restaurant-quality dish.

Notes

• Spice Selection: Use high-quality smoked paprika and fresh Italian seasoning for maximum flavor depth and authenticity.
• Shrimp Searing Technique: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat to prevent rubbery texture, watching for golden-brown edges and opaque center as key doneness indicators.
• Orzo Cooking Precision: Stir pasta frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and achieve consistent al dente texture, avoiding mushy consistency.
• Cream Integration: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg