Description
A creamy, flavorful one-pot dish combining tender shrimp with orzo pasta in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Orzo: Using the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot with the creamy orzo mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the creamy shrimp and orzo hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use gluten-free orzo pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
