Creamy Shrimp Orzo Pasta
This Creamy Shrimp Orzo Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines juicy shrimp, a creamy sauce, and tender orzo for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta A tiny pasta that cooks quickly.
- 1 lb Shrimp Fresh or thawed for optimal taste.
Creamy Sauce Base
- 1 cup Heavy Cream For richness; can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced For aromatic flavor.
- 0.5 cup White Wine Optional; adds depth.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Or vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
Finishing Touches
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped For brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Brightens up the dish.
Instructions
Cooking the Orzo
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in a splash of white wine to deglaze, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
- Then, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with the shrimp. Mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Finishing with Flavor
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
This dish is great for adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute scallops or lobster for a luxurious twist.