Creamy garlic shrimp orzo is a rich, flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and a garlicky Parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, offering a satisfying balance of seafood and creamy pasta with a hint of fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A one-pan dish with minimal cleanup.
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor.
- Versatile—pairs well with vegetables or extra protein.
- Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Orzo pasta
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version.
- Cheese Substitute: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free orzo or swap with rice for a risotto-style dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a bit of cornstarch can help thicken it.
What’s the best way to keep shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from heat immediately.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead for quicker cooking.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Stir frequently and ensure there is enough liquid while cooking.
What other proteins can I use?
Chicken, scallops, or salmon work well as substitutes.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer longer, or add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp orzo is a simple yet elegant meal packed with rich flavors and a creamy, comforting texture. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this quick and satisfying dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Fudgy and decadent chocolate caramel brownies, layered with gooey caramel and rich chocolate chunks for the ultimate dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt; stir until combined.
- Pour half the batter into the baking dish and drizzle caramel sauce.
- Add remaining batter and sprinkle chocolate chunks.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Drizzle extra caramel on top for more flavor.
- Use dark chocolate for a less sweet version.