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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Generously coat peeled shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- 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.
- Transfer seared shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their warmth and delicate texture.
- 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.
- Pour chicken stock and sprinkle salt into the skillet, bringing mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
- Allow orzo to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Incorporate fresh baby spinach, quartered artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, stirring until spinach wilts and cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Gently return seared shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to warm through for 1-2 minutes and absorb the rich, creamy flavors.
- 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