Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)

Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Artichokes - in a white bowl.

Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)

Shrimp orzo is almost like risotto but so much easier and quicker to make! This Italian-style dinner takes only 30 minutes and is made in one pan. Seared garlic shrimp and orzo are a perfect combo for a simple weeknight meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword shrimp orzo

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 690kcal

Author Julia

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 lb raw shrimp large, peeled, and deveined - 16 or 20 count per 1 pound of shrimp
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo and sauce ingredients

⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1 cup orzo uncooked
2 cups chicken stock
¼ teaspoon salt
14 oz artichoke hearts drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
4 oz fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

How to sear the shrimp

This recipe uses 1 lb of large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) which usually means 16 or 20 count. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet or in a high-sided non-stick pan until hot. Add shrimp and minced garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes per side.
Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded to avoid steaming. You might have to work in batches. Remove shrimp to a plate.

How to cook orzo

To the same, now empty, skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup of uncooked orzo, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the orzo on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.
Add 2 cups of chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for about 5 or 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked through.
Add spinach, artichokes, and cream. Stir everything on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
Add seared shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce. Simmer for about 2 minutes (or more), until everything is warmed through.
Season with salt and pepper and more smoked paprika, if desired.

Nutrition