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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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