Description
Mediterranean-inspired Shrimp Orzo Delight brings coastal flavors home with succulent shrimp nestled in creamy pasta. Herbed orzo and tender prawns create a perfect harmony that transports diners straight to a Greek seaside taverna.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
Starches:
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
Oils and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for shrimp)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for orzo)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Elevate the shrimp with a robust spice blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Warm of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then introduce seasoned shrimp and minced garlic, searing for approximately 2 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and opaque center.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their succulence and preventing overcooking.
- Utilize the same skillet to toast sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta with an additional tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to develop a rich, nutty flavor and achieve a light golden-brown color.
- Pour of chicken stock into the skillet, adding a pinch of salt, and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the orzo to cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and absorbs the flavorful liquid.
- Fold in fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, continuing to cook until spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Gently reintroduce the seared shrimp to the skillet, warming them through and allowing them to meld with the luxurious sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced final dish.
Notes
- Make sure to pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use medium-high heat when cooking shrimp to achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking the delicate protein.
- Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor depth and a rich, concentrated tomato taste.
- Select chicken stock with low sodium to control salt levels and allow personal seasoning preference.
- Frozen spinach works as a quick alternative if fresh isn’t available, just squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
- Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg