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Creamy Shrimp Orzo

A rich, one-pot creamy orzo dish with juicy shrimp, parmesan, garlic, and lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
Orzo and Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups spinach fresh
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.
  5. Add broth and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  6. Stir in cream, parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Fold in spinach until wilted. Return shrimp to skillet and warm through.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

Add extra broth if you prefer a looser, creamier texture.