Description
Irresistible “Marry Me Shrimp and Orzo Pasta” delivers a Mediterranean romance of succulent seafood and creamy pasta. Garlicky shrimp nestled in tender orzo promises a quick, luxurious meal that seduces palates with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by generously coating with a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seared seafood.
- Quickly cook the shrimp for approximately two minutes on each side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent throughout.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their delicate texture and warmth.
- In the same pan, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the aromatics to release their intense fragrance.
- Add orzo to the pan, gently toasting the pasta for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor profile.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer that will gradually cook the orzo.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally and allowing the orzo to absorb the liquid and become tender, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious and creamy sauce.
- Reintroduce the cooked shrimp to the pan, gently coating them in the rich, velvety mixture.
- Finish the dish with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a final burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Quickly pat shrimp dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Toast orzo briefly in butter to develop a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall dish’s complexity.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning precisely to your taste.
- Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture and cheesy richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 695
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg