Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup baby spinach (chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In another pan (or in the same skillet after removing orzo), melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Add cooked shrimp to the orzo. Stir in cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, Parmesan, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning.
- Toss everything together until well combined and spinach is wilted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version.
- Swap chicken broth for seafood broth to enhance the shrimp flavor.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan, Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 190mg