Description
This creamy shrimp orzo is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that offers comforting flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Shrimp and Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cooking Base and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta by following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Orzo: Mix the cooked orzo pasta into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley before serving warm for a creamy and flavorful dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Shrimp can be substituted with scallops or chicken for different protein options.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
