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