Zesty Seafood Delight: Irresistible Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Sailing through a sea of flavors, this Mediterranean shrimp orzo recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender shrimp dance with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

orzo, the star ingredient, absorbs rich marinades and seasonings that make each bite memorable.

Vibrant herbs and a splash of lemon brighten the entire dish with fresh, zesty notes.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet elegant meal.

The recipe blends Mediterranean influences with home-cooked comfort, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this delectable journey and let your taste buds sail through a world of deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 483 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Orzo: Tiny pasta that creates a creamy, risotto-like texture and serves as the heart of the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Adds deep flavor foundation and helps cook the orzo perfectly with rich, savory undertones.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the flavors of other ingredients.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings intense, sweet-tangy Mediterranean flavor with concentrated tomato richness.
• Artichoke Hearts: Adds earthy, slightly nutty taste and tender texture that complements seafood beautifully.
• Fresh Spinach: Provides vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and delicate leafy freshness to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds all ingredients with incredible smoothness.
• Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and aromatic complexity to elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.

Tools That Make Creamy Shrimp Orzo to Prepare

• Large skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure orzo and cream sauce components.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping fresh herbs for garnish.
• Cooking tongs: Great for handling and searing shrimp evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for herb preparation.

Steps to Make Creamy Shrimp Orzo from Scratch

• Shrimp Searing

Get a skillet really hot and quickly cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful golden color with delicious crispy edges. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so each little seafood gem gets perfectly caramelized.

• Creamy Sauce Magic

Create a silky smooth sauce by combining rich cream with fragrant garlic and zesty lemon. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and slightly thickened.

• Pasta and Protein Harmony

Toss the cooked orzo into the skillet, mixing it gently with the seared shrimp and dreamy cream sauce. Let all the flavors dance together and mingle, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle some vibrant fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives over the top. Add a light dusting of Parmesan cheese if you want an extra layer of deliciousness. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Tips to Perfect the Sauce in Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Cook orzo al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a delightful bite that holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
• Select fresh, wild-caught shrimp and remove the shell and digestive tract before cooking to maximize flavor and quality.
• If the cream sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water, maintaining a silky smooth consistency.
• Toast orzo in butter before adding liquid to develop a nutty, rich undertone that elevates the entire dish's depth and complexity.
• Replace shrimp with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious plant-based alternative that maintains the recipe's creamy, comforting essence.

Serving Creamy Shrimp Orzo for Family Dinners

• Herb Garden Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives over the creamy shrimp orzo for a burst of vibrant green color and zesty freshness that brightens the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the richness and enhances the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Texture Boost Bonus: Top the orzo with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for an unexpected crunch that adds delightful contrast to the creamy, smooth pasta base and tender shrimp.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich main course.

How to Keep Creamy Shrimp Orzo Tasting Great

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Creamy Shrimp Orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Place cooled shrimp orzo in freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy within 1 month for best quality and flavor retention.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish in larger batches, portioning into individual containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greek-inspired shrimp orzo delivers Mediterranean flavors through succulent seafood and tender pasta. Herbs, lemon, and garlic create a simple yet elegant dish that transports palates directly to coastal Greece.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
• 14 oz (396 g) artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• 4 oz (113 g) fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• ¼ tsp salt
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Searing Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high flame and quickly sear shrimp until golden brown, creating a caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
2. Orzo Preparation: Cook orzo in a pot of generously salted water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until achieving a perfectly al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Creamy Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, craft a velvety sauce by whisking together heavy cream, minced garlic, and a splash of white wine, allowing the mixture to reduce and thicken slightly.
4. Flavor Fusion: Reintroduce the seared shrimp to the creamy sauce, gently folding in the cooked orzo. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika to elevate the dish’s complexity.
5. Final Touches: Simmer the combined ingredients for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are heated through and the flavors meld harmoniously. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and optionally sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

Notes

• Master Shrimp Searing: Achieve golden-brown perfection by using a very hot skillet and avoiding overcrowding, which prevents steaming and ensures a crispy, caramelized exterior.
• Orzo Texture Tip: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it continues absorbing sauce after cooking, preventing mushy consistency and maintaining a delightful bite.
• Cream Sauce Secret: Slowly incorporate cream over medium-low heat to prevent separation and create a silky, smooth base that coats ingredients beautifully.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Build depth by seasoning each component separately and adding smoked paprika or herbs at different stages to create a complex, memorable taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 483
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 286 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg