Description
This Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy Parmesan cheese and spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
- ½ pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 3 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers (drained or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups baby spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the uncooked orzo pasta and follow the package guidelines for cooking time—usually around 8 to 9 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo using a colander and set it aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.
- While the orzo is cooking, turn your attention to a large high-sided skillet. Heat it over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s frothy. Add the minced garlic to the pan, allowing its aroma to fill the air before introducing the shrimp. Sauté both sides of the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Gently remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet where the shrimp were cooked, add the diced yellow onions and sliced baby bella mushrooms. Allow them to sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften. Next, fold in the chopped roasted red peppers and let them warm through for another minute, infusing the mixture with additional flavor.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream, gradually stirring it into the mixture. Watch as it begins to simmer gently; this step is crucial for developing the sauce’s rich flavor. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. As it thickens, incorporate the fresh baby spinach leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the shrimp and cooked orzo to the creamy spinach mixture, blending the ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle with dried Italian herbs and the freshly chopped parsley for that finishing touch. Serve this delectable dish hot and enjoy the taste of Italy in your own home!
Notes
Be sure not to overcook the shrimp; it can become tough if cooked too long. For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 27 g