Quick Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes Recipe for Dinner

Succulent shrimp dance through a Mediterranean-inspired culinary landscape, promising a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

The combination of tender seafood, hearty pasta, and vibrant vegetables creates an irresistible meal that speaks to comfort and elegance.

Creamy artichokes nestle alongside delicate spinach, changeing this dish into a celebration of fresh ingredients.

Rich, balanced notes emerge from each carefully crafted bite, promising a sensory journey that excites the palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this recipe’s harmonious blend of proteins and greens.

Bright, zesty elements weave between each component, elevating the entire dining experience beyond simple sustenance.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence, inviting you to savor every nuanced flavor.

Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes That Feels Gourmet

• Quick and Flavorful One-Pot Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cleanup, combining succulent shrimp, creamy orzo, and vibrant vegetables in just one skillet.
• Layered Taste Explosion: Smoky paprika, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes create a complex flavor profile that elevates the mild shrimp and creamy orzo, making every bite exciting and delicious.
• Adaptable Cooking Technique: The method of browning orzo before adding liquid and carefully searing shrimp ensures perfect texture and depth of flavor, making this recipe accessible for home cooks with basic kitchen skills.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Combination: Protein-packed shrimp, nutrient-rich spinach, hearty artichokes, and comforting orzo create a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive gathering.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and delicate flavor, choose fresh or frozen with firm texture and mild ocean smell.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid base that enhances overall depth of flavor, low-sodium varieties recommended for better control of seasoning.

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, opt for high-quality pasta with smooth texture.

• Spinach: Nutrient-dense leafy green that wilts quickly and adds vibrant color, fresh leaves preferred over frozen.
• Artichokes: Tender vegetable with mild, slightly nutty flavor, choose marinated or canned for convenience.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated sweet-tangy ingredient that provides depth, packed varieties work well.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds flavor foundation, fresh cloves recommended for best taste.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and complex flavor, choose high-quality Spanish or Hungarian varieties.
• Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that provides Mediterranean profile, pre-mixed or homemade works great.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredients, freshly ground recommended.

• Cream: Rich component that creates smooth, luxurious sauce, heavy cream provides best consistency.

• Olive Oil: Cooking and flavor base with heart-healthy properties, extra virgin preferred for best taste.

How to Cook Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Shrimp Seasoning

• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Ensure each shrimp is evenly and generously covered with the spice mixture.

Step 2: Sear The Succulent Seafood

• Shrimp
• Minced garlic

Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn golden and slightly crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.

Step 3: Remove And Rest Shrimp

Transfer seared shrimp to a separate plate. Keep them warm while preparing the next components.

Step 4: Toast The Orzo

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Uncooked orzo
• Additional olive oil

Stir and cook for 2 minutes until orzo develops a light golden-brown color.

Step 5: Simmer Orzo To Perfection

Pour in chicken stock and sprinkle salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Greens And Creamy Elements

• Fresh spinach
• Artichoke hearts
• Cream

Stir on low-medium heat until spinach wilts and ingredients blend harmoniously.

Step 7: Reunite Shrimp With Sauce

Return seared shrimp to the skillet. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for a Creamy Orzo and Shrimp Finish

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose plump, firm shrimp with a mild sea-like smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Watch skillet heat closely to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Toast Orzo Carefully: Gently brown orzo before adding liquid to enhance its nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the pan.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add smoked paprika in stages to build depth and complexity of flavor in the final dish.

Best Storage Methods for Shrimp and Orzo Dishes

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture and prevent rubbery shrimp.

What Tastes Great with This Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

• Uncork a Crisp White Wine: Pair this shrimp and orzo dish with a zesty sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavor and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious cream sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Brighten with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a quick side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy orzo.
• Add Herbed Garlic Topping: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the dish just before serving to enhance the herbs' aromatics and add a pop of fresh green color.

Ideas to Switch Up Your Shrimp and Orzo Bowl

• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken and add crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with tangy and rich flavors.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Replace shrimp with scallops and add red pepper flakes for an extra kick, bringing a fiery dimension to the creamy orzo dish.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas and double the artichokes, creating a hearty plant-based alternative packed with protein and texture.
• Lemony Herb Transformation: Incorporate fresh lemon zest, chopped dill, and use white wine instead of chicken stock to elevate the dish with bright, herbaceous notes.

Shrimp and Orzo with Spinach and Artichokes Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired shrimp and orzo create a delightful harmony of flavors. Fresh spinach and tender artichokes complement succulent shrimp, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this elegant one-pan meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo, uncooked
• 14 ounces (396 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 ounces (113 grams) fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Coat raw shrimp generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature until it shimmers, then introduce shrimp and minced garlic, cooking swiftly until they turn pink and slightly crisp.
3. Cook shrimp in separate batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Transfer cooked shrimp to a holding plate.
4. In the same skillet, toast chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo with additional olive oil, stirring continuously until grains develop a golden, nutty appearance.
5. Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating salt, and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce heat, allowing orzo to simmer gently while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Incorporate fresh spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and rich cream into the orzo, gently stirring until spinach leaves wilt and ingredients meld harmoniously.
7. Return seared shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture. Warm thoroughly, allowing flavors to intermingle and sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the dish’s complexity and depth of flavor.

Notes

• Batch Cook Shrimp: Prevent overcrowding in the skillet to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming the delicate seafood.
• Toasting Orzo: Browning the pasta before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and creates a richer overall dish.
• Liquid Control: Stir orzo frequently and adjust chicken stock as needed to prevent sticking and achieve perfect pasta texture.
• Wilting Greens: Add spinach last and cook briefly to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.
• Seasoning Layers: Build depth by seasoning at multiple stages – shrimp, orzo, and final dish – using smoked paprika and herbs.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Keep cooking times short for shrimp and spinach to preserve tender texture and fresh flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg