Easy Creamy Shrimp Orzo Recipe: Comforting Seafood Magic

Creamy shrimp orzo changes ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable culinary adventures.

Seafood lovers recognize this dish as a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.

Mediterranean influences shine through its rich, velvety texture and harmonious ingredients.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

orzo versatile nature allows for creative twists and personal adaptations that suit different palates.

Seafood enthusiasts will find the delicate shrimp perfectly complemented by the pasta’s smooth, buttery consistency.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this meal promises to impress without demanding complex cooking techniques.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo That Brings Comfort to the Table

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines smoky paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic to create a mouthwatering shrimp and orzo dish that tantalizes taste buds with complex, layered seasonings.
• Speedy Gourmet Comfort: Whipped up in just 20 minutes, this one-skillet meal delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick impressive meals.
• Texture Paradise: The creamy sauce envelops tender shrimp and perfectly cooked orzo, while sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add delightful bursts of brightness and nutritional punch, creating a harmonious blend of soft and crisp textures.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for elegant dinner parties or casual family meals, this dish easily adapts to different preferences and can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins for endless delicious variations.

Everything That Goes into Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that adds delicate flavor and protein to the dish. Wild-caught or farm-raised both work well.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid base that provides depth and moisture for cooking orzo. Low-sodium version recommended for better salt control.

• Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances shrimp and overall dish flavor. Fresh ground spices offer more intense taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds robust, savory undertone to the recipe. Fresh minced garlic provides best flavor.

• Orzo: Small pasta shape that creates creamy, risotto-like texture. Dry pasta works best for absorbing flavors.
• Spinach: Tender green that adds nutrients and fresh color to the dish. Fresh leaves preferred over frozen.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tangy ingredient that provides rich Mediterranean flavor. Packed in oil version recommended.
• Artichokes: Tender vegetable that contributes unique, slightly nutty taste. Canned or jarred hearts work perfectly.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear shrimp and prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Rich ingredient that creates smooth, luxurious sauce. Full-fat version ensures best texture.

Easy Steps to Prepare Creamy Shrimp Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Season shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp along with minced garlic.

Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until just cooked through.

Transfer them to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, and a splash of olive oil.

Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Base

Pour in the chicken stock and a pinch of salt, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender.

Step 4: Add Creamy Vegetables

Stir in the spinach, artichokes, and cream.

Cook until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.

Simmer for 2 more minutes until heated through.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy shrimp orzo right away.

Top Tips for Creamy Shrimp Orzo Perfection

• Sear with Sizzle: Get a perfectly golden-brown exterior on shrimp by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding them, which creates a delicious caramelized crust.
• Salt Strategically: Season shrimp generously with salt just before cooking to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
• Orzo Stirring Secret: Continuously stir orzo while toasting to prevent burning and achieve an even, golden-brown color that adds depth of flavor.
• Liquid Leverage: Use warm chicken stock to help orzo cook evenly and absorb flavors more quickly, resulting in a creamy, tender texture.
• Spinach Wilting Wisdom: Add spinach at the end and cook just until it wilts to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.

Keeping Creamy Shrimp Orzo Delicious After Day One

• Refrigerate: Transfer the creamy shrimp orzo to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Separate the shrimp from the orzo if possible to maintain better texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce's consistency.
• Stovetop Reheating: Gently warm the orzo in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little chicken stock or water to prevent sticking and maintain the creamy texture.

Best Pairings for Creamy Shrimp Orzo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich shrimp orzo with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the dish's richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect accompaniment by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter. The bread's crispy texture and savory notes will soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful contrast.
• Add Fresh Herb Salad: Balance the heavy dish with a light, lemony mixed green salad topped with fresh herbs like basil and parsley. The bright, refreshing salad will cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy orzo.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Refresh your meal with a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. The effervescence and citrus will help cleanse your palate and enhance the dish's Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Ways to Tweak Creamy Shrimp Orzo with a Twist

• Mediterranean Seafood Mix: Replace shrimp with a blend of calamari, mussels, and scallops for a rich and diverse seafood experience.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and andouille sausage to create a bold, Louisiana-inspired dish with extra heat.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes, maintaining the creamy texture and herb-packed flavor profile.
• Greek-Style Transformation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh dill to give the orzo a classic Mediterranean character.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp orzo delivers coastal comfort in one skillet. Succulent prawns, tender pasta, and rich herbs create a simple yet elegant dinner that transports you straight to Greece’s sunlit shores.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw shrimp, large, peeled, and deveined (16 or 20 count per 1 pound)
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 14 ounces (397 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh spinach

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Generously coat peeled shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, then quickly sear shrimp with minced garlic for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp.
3. Transfer seared shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their warmth and delicate texture.
4. In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, and an additional tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil, toasting ingredients for 2 minutes until orzo develops a light golden-brown color.
5. Pour chicken stock and sprinkle salt into the skillet, bringing mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow orzo to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
7. Incorporate fresh baby spinach, quartered artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, stirring until spinach wilts and cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
8. Gently return seared shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to warm through for 1-2 minutes and absorb the rich, creamy flavors.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired, creating a perfectly balanced one-pan meal.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by generously seasoning shrimp with a blend of smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper before searing.
• Sear shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to develop a golden crust without overcooking, ensuring tender and juicy results.
• Toast orzo in the same skillet with sun-dried tomatoes to enhance nutty undertones and develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Use chicken stock to create a creamy, luxurious base that infuses the orzo with additional depth and moisture.
• Incorporate fresh spinach and artichokes for vibrant color, added nutrition, and a delightful textural contrast.
• Finish the dish by returning seared shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to warm through and absorb the creamy sauce’s delicious flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 260 mg