Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Shrimp
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Creamy Orzo with Spinach and Shrimp—a one-pan delight that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with juicy, sautéed shrimp and vibrant, wilted spinach. A bright touch of lemon zest adds a refreshing zing, while optional red pepper flakes bring a subtle kick for those who love a bit of heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this elegant yet easy dish is perfect for busy evenings or an impressive dinner date. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s sure to win hearts and appetites alike! Keywords: creamy orzo, shrimp pasta recipe, easy one-pan dinner, spinach orzo, Parmesan cream sauce.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the butter and garlic mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, lightly toasting the orzo.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the creamy orzo with spinach and shrimp immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 285 mg | 95% | |
| Sodium | 1221 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 47.3 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 424 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 483 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
