Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or seafood stock)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
Sauté Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.Sauté Garlic & Toast Orzo:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orzo and stir to lightly toast for about 2 minutes.Simmer:
Pour in chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.Make it Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for 2 more minutes to thicken.Add Shrimp & Spinach:
Return shrimp to the skillet along with spinach if using. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is well combined. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.Finish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the shrimp with scallops or chicken for a twist.
- Want it dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese.
- For added veggies, toss in chopped zucchini, asparagus, or peas.
- Orzo cooks like rice but acts like pasta—stir it often to avoid sticking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 205mg