One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved To create this dish, I start with fresh large shrimp. They give a nice texture and flavor. I also use orzo pasta, which cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Vegetable broth adds depth to the dish, while heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. The cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, adding freshness. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cups fresh spinach - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using garlic for its bold flavor. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings warmth and complexity. Olive oil is key for sautéing and adds richness. Fresh spinach wilts nicely into the dish, adding color and nutrients. I finish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to enhance the dish's charm. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the oil. Cook it for about 1 minute. - Watch the garlic closely. You want it fragrant, not burnt. - Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. - Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. - Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside. - In the same pot, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. - Stir it for about a minute. This toasts the orzo lightly. - Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. - Cook for 8-10 minutes. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt and the mix becomes creamy. - Return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Gently mix everything together. - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. - Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. To get that rich, creamy texture, stir gently while cooking. This keeps the orzo from sticking together. If the dish seems too thick, add a bit more heavy cream. Start with a half cup and adjust to your taste. Timing is key for perfect shrimp. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. If you leave them in too long, they become tough. It’s best to remove them early and add them back later with the cream and veggies. To boost the taste, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also work well. They add freshness and depth to the dish. Always taste and adjust seasonings for the best flavor. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: To achieve tender shrimp, do not overcook them. They should only be cooked until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, consider adding fresh parsley or dill along with the basil as a garnish. It elevates the dish's flavor profile. Make it Lighter: If you want a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. This will reduce calories while keeping it creamy. Store Leftovers Wisely: To keep the orzo from absorbing too much liquid, store the shrimp and orzo mixture separately. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream for best results. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for chicken or scallops. Both options work well. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces. Cook them until they are no longer pink, just like the shrimp. For scallops, add them with the shrimp. Cook both until they are tender. This gives you a new taste while keeping the dish creamy and rich. Feel free to use seasonal vegetables or greens. Zucchini or bell peppers add a nice crunch. You can also try asparagus or peas for a fresh twist. These veggies add color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the orzo. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. If you want a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead. They give a similar creamy texture. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish light and still delicious. After you finish cooking, let the dish cool slightly. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. When you reheat, do it slowly over low heat. Stir often to keep it creamy. To freeze the dish, cool it completely first. Then, divide it into portions in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish can freeze well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it appears dry. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, it lasts around three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells sour or has an off color, throw it away. Enjoy your meal while it’s fresh! Yes, you can! If you don't have orzo, try using: - Fusilli - Penne - Farfalle - Ditalini These shapes cook well with the sauce and give a nice bite. No broth? No problem! You can use: - Chicken broth - Water with added spices - Homemade stock if you have it These options will keep the dish tasty. If you want some heat, consider adding: - Red pepper flakes - A dash of cayenne pepper - Chopped jalapeños Mix these in while cooking to fit your spice level. In this post, we explored a creamy shrimp and orzo dish. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ideas for variations, like using chicken or dairy-free options. Remember, proper timing keeps your shrimp tender and creamy. Experiment with different spices to match your taste. This dish is easy to store and reheat, ensuring you enjoy it later. With this knowledge, you're set to impress everyone at your table! Happy cooking!$

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and creamy one-pot dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the shrimp to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the orzo and stir for a minute to toast it lightly.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is creamy.
Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and gently mix everything together. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, Italian, one-pot, orzo, shrimp