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Creamy Shrimp Orzo

A luxurious one-pot creamy shrimp orzo that combines tender shrimp, silky Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo for an elegant weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Dish
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1.5 cups orzo
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes optional
  • 0.5 cup white wine optional
  • 3 cups broth chicken or seafood
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan grated
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear in oil and butter until pink, then remove from skillet.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in remaining butter. Add cherry tomatoes if using.
  3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, then stir in the orzo.
  4. Add broth and simmer 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  6. Return shrimp to skillet and cook 1–2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Notes

For spicier orzo, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.