There's something absolutely magical about the way shrimp and orzo come together in one creamy, satisfying dish. I stumbled upon this Shrimp Orzo Recipe during one of those hectic weeknights when my family was craving something comforting but I only had 30 minutes to work with.
The tender pasta absorbs all those incredible flavors while the shrimp stays perfectly juicy, and honestly, it tastes like something you'd order at an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. My husband always says this is better than any takeout we've ever had.
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Orzo
This shrimp and orzo recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and maximum comfort. The creamy sauce coats every grain of orzo while the shrimp adds that perfect protein punch your family craves. My kids devour this dish without realizing they're eating something packed with healthy ingredients.
It's one of those easy homecooked meals for 2 that easily doubles for a family dinner. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying this incredible meal together.
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What You'll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with fresh shrimp to create something truly special and satisfying.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Optional Extras
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a beautiful finishing touch, and some people love adding sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
This shrimp orzo is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo
Season and Sear Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics Base
In the same pan, add onion and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Cook Orzo Perfectly
Add orzo to the pan and toast for 1 minute. Pour in wine and let it reduce slightly, then add 2 cups of chicken broth gradually.
Create Creamy Sauce
Simmer orzo 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Can you make shrimp orzo ahead of time? Yes, but cook the orzo slightly less than package directions and store separately from the shrimp. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
Finish with Greens
Add spinach and let it wilt into the creamy orzo. Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and zest, then season to taste.
Aliana's Top Tip
Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just pink and slightly firm to the touch.
My mom taught me this trick: cook them until they form a loose C shape, but remove them before they curl into tight circles.
This keeps them tender and prevents that rubbery texture that can ruin the whole dish.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
No heavy cream? Try half-and-half or even whole milk with a tablespoon of flour. Chicken or vegetable broth works instead of wine. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. My sister makes a spicy version with crushed red pepper and paprika that's absolutely incredible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover shrimp orzo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The pasta will absorb some sauce, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
What to Serve With Shrimp Orzo
This creamy orzo pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread for sopping up that incredible sauce. My family loves it with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side for extra vegetables.
FAQs About Shrimp Orzo
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking for the best searing results.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
What if I can't find orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well as substitutes in this recipe.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat on medium-low when adding cream and stir constantly to maintain a smooth sauce.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more easy healthier Dinner ideas, these one-pan meals are always family favorites and ready in 30 minutes:
Garlic Butter Salmon with Vegetables - Light, flaky, and so satisfying Chicken and Rice Skillet - Comfort food at its finest Tuscan White Bean Pasta - Creamy, hearty, and completely delicious
The dinner recipes category has so many incredible options for those busy weeknight meals.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your delicious creation!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Shrimp Orzo Recipe:
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