Luscious Creamy Shrimp Orzo Recipe for Dreamy Dinner Magic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering creamy shrimp orzo recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender shrimp nestled in a luxurious, velvety sauce dance perfectly with delicate orzo pasta.

Each forkful brings a symphony of rich, harmonious flavors that instantly comfort and satisfy.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant dish that comes together effortlessly.

The combination of succulent shrimp and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily make at home.

Bright herbs and a touch of lemon add a fresh, zesty dimension that elevates every single bite.

This recipe will become your new go-to weeknight dinner that impresses without complicated techniques.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Shrimp Orzo Ingredients Breakdown

• Shrimp: Wild-caught varieties offer superior sweetness and texture, ensuring a rich oceanic flavor. Choose medium-sized shrimp for balanced presentation and even cooking.
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and complements seafood's natural sweetness. Fresh garlic cloves deliver more vibrant flavor compared to pre-chopped versions.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, complex undertones that elevate the entire dish's depth. Spanish varieties offer more authentic, intense flavor profiles.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that introduce Mediterranean warmth and complexity. Look for freshly dried herb mixes for maximum potency.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for layering and balancing overall taste. Opt for sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for optimal seasoning.

• Orzo: Quick-cooking pasta that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully. Select high-quality semolina wheat varieties for best texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy component that adds robust Mediterranean character. Oil-packed versions provide richer flavor.
• Spinach: Introduces vibrant color and nutritional density. Fresh baby spinach wilts most elegantly in creamy dishes.
• Artichokes: Brings subtle earthy notes and Mediterranean authenticity. Marinated versions offer more intense flavor complexity.

• Chicken Stock: Creates rich foundational flavor for pasta cooking liquid. Low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture that binds all ingredients harmoniously. Room temperature cream integrates more smoothly.

Tools for Making Creamy Shrimp Orzo at Home

• Large skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and cooking orzo with perfect heat control.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching the pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and prepping ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and olive oil.
• Measuring cup: Perfect for measuring chicken stock.
• Plate: Temporarily holds seared shrimp while cooking orzo.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Shrimp Preparation Coat succulent shrimp with a tantalizing blend of smoky spices that will make your taste buds dance. Select fresh, plump shrimp and infuse them with aromatic seasonings.
• Skillet Magic Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet, creating a sizzling canvas for your culinary adventure. Quickly sear the shrimp until they turn a gorgeous golden color, releasing their sweet, oceanic essence. Set these beauties aside for a moment of anticipation.
• Orzo Transformation Transform the same skillet into a flavor playground by introducing sun-dried tomatoes and raw orzo. Let them mingle and caramelize, creating a rich, nutty foundation for your dish.
• Liquid Alchemy Pour in fragrant chicken stock, allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender and creamy. Watch as the grains soften and expand, creating a luxurious base.
• Green Harmony Gently fold in vibrant spinach and tender artichokes, letting them weave their fresh, earthy notes through the creamy landscape. A splash of cream adds silky richness that ties everything together.
• Final Symphony Reunite the golden shrimp with their flavor-packed companions, letting them warm through and merge into a harmonious, mouthwatering masterpiece. A final sprinkle of seasoning elevates this dish from delicious to extraordinary.

Tips for the Creamiest Shrimp Orzo Ever

• Marinate shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking to boost tenderness and add zesty undertones.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile one-pan meal.
• Experiment with roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh asparagus to add more texture and nutritional depth.
• Replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free version that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of traditional dairy cream to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving the rich, creamy consistency.

Serving Up Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Flair

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy orzo.
• Top with Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the dish to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Offer warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough slice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add textural contrast.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp and cut through the rich, creamy elements of the dish.

Storage Hacks for Leftover Shrimp Orzo

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover creamy shrimp orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Refrigerated dishes stay delicious for 3-4 days when kept at 40°F or below, ensuring optimal taste and texture for next-day enjoyment.
• Smart Reheating: Gently warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing, so best consumed fresh for maximum flavor and smoothness.

Silky Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable orzo pasta combines succulent shrimp in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary masterpiece. Creamy textures and delicate herbs promise a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, large, peeled, and deveined (16 or 20 count per 1 lb)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 14 oz (397 g) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
• 4 oz (113 g) fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Coat shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive and even spice distribution.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, swiftly sear shrimp with minced garlic until golden and crisp, approximately 2 minutes per side.
3. Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked orzo with additional olive oil until orzo achieves a light golden-brown hue.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the skillet, bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cooking orzo uncovered for 10-12 minutes while stirring intermittently.
5. Creamy Transformation: Introduce baby spinach, artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, stirring until spinach wilts and sauce becomes luxuriously velvety.
6. Final Fusion: Return seared shrimp to the skillet, warming through and allowing them to absorb the rich, creamy essence, then adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create a perfectly balanced one-pan culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost Shrimp Flavor: Coat shrimp generously with dry seasonings before cooking to ensure deep, even flavor penetration.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Heat oil until shimmering and cook shrimp quickly to achieve golden edges without overcooking.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir frequently during cooking and use enough liquid to keep grains separated and tender.
• Cream Sauce Secret: Add cream and spinach at the end to maintain vibrant color and prevent separation of the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg