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Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp Recipe – Creamy & Flavorful Dish

Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp Recipe – Quick Italian Dish


Description

Welcome to a delicious adventure in your kitchen with our Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp recipe! This hearty, flavorful dish combines succulent shrimp with creamy Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spinach to create a quick and easy Italian-inspired meal that will impress everyone. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

 

  • ½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
  • ½ pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
  • ½ small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers (drained or substitute with sun-dried tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1½ cups baby spinach leaves
  • ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • ½ tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Substitutions and Allergies:

  • You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta.
  • Vegan shrimp or tofu can replace traditional shrimp for a plant-based alternative.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Orzo Pasta

  • Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8–9 minutes). Once cooked, drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp

  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large high-sided skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and shrimp, sautéing for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, add diced onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are softened. Stir in the roasted red peppers and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the baby spinach leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  • Add the cooked shrimp and orzo to the skillet, mixing everything together. Sprinkle the Italian herbs and freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, spinach, and mushrooms to enhance the flavor of the dish.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Keep an eye on them and remove from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
  • Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables in advance to speed up the cooking process when it’s time to make the dish.