Description
Creamy shrimp and orzo with spinach and artichokes delivers Mediterranean comfort with elegant simplicity. Rich flavors mingle in this quick skillet dish that draws you into a Mediterranean culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb / 454 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 14 oz / 396 g artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz / 113 g fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Coat raw shrimp thoroughly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution of spices.
- Shrimp Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add shrimp and minced garlic. Cook rapidly until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and develop a delicate crisp exterior, working in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast sun-dried tomatoes and orzo with additional olive oil, stirring continuously until grains achieve a golden, aromatic complexion.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a robust boil. Reduce heat immediately, allowing orzo to simmer gently while occasionally stirring to prevent adherence to the pan.
- Vegetable and Cream Fusion: Introduce fresh spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and rich cream into the orzo. Stir gently until spinach wilts and ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture. Warm thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly condense, intensifying the overall taste profile.
- Flavor Refinement: Taste and calibrate seasoning, adding additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to elevate the dish’s complexity and depth of flavor.
Notes
- Prevent Overcrowding: Cook shrimp in batches to ensure perfect searing and avoid steaming, maintaining a crisp exterior and tender texture.
- Toasting Technique: Carefully toast orzo and sun-dried tomatoes to develop a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the entire dish.
- Spinach Wilting Tip: Add spinach last and stir gently to prevent overcooking, preserving its vibrant color and delicate nutrients.
- Flavor Layering: Build complexity by seasoning each component separately and allowing ingredients to meld together during the final warming stage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 202 mg