Description
A quick and flavorful garlic orzo with succulent Tuscan shrimp, featuring a creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs, spinach, and roasted red peppers. This dish combines tender shrimp, al dente orzo, and a rich, savory sauce for a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the orzo
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
For the sauce and toppings
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: On a cutting board, dice the onion and slice the mushrooms.
- Cook the orzo: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook according to package instructions, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and shrimp; cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add roasted red peppers and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add greens and cheese: Stir in the spinach leaves and Parmesan cheese; cook until the cheese melts and spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
- Finish the dish: Sprinkle in Italian herbs and parsley, stir well, then add the cooked shrimp and orzo. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Opt for fresh parsley instead of dried if available for a more vibrant flavor.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
