Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: A Cozy Delight

When you think of comfort food, imagine a dish that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug on a cold day. Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp embodies that coziness, merging creamy textures with succulent shrimp and a sprinkle of cheese that could make anyone swoon. 30-minute chicken parmesan The aroma wafting from your stove will lure even the pickiest eater into the kitchen, ready to indulge in this culinary masterpiece.

Now, let’s not forget those moments spent with loved ones, gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it turned into an impromptu taste test where everyone insisted they needed the secret recipe. Spoiler alert: there’s no secret—just love, good ingredients, and a dash of humor!

I still chuckle thinking about my cousin declaring this was “the best thing ever,” while trying to discreetly swipe another helping from my plate.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Orzo Pasta: Choose high-quality orzo for better texture; it should be small and rice-shaped. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Salmon Pasta recipe.

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works great; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor; pre-packaged versions just don’t cut it.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a robust flavor; avoid the pre-minced kind if you can.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing the dish’s umami profile.

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into this dish; it adds color and nutrients.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors perfectly; bottled just won’t have the same zing.

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances flavor; choose extra virgin for its rich taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Thanksgiving side dishes Rinse the shrimp if using fresh ones and set aside.

Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to boil over medium heat. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves into the skillet with shrimp. shrimp stir fry recipe Cook until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes—your kitchen will smell heavenly right about now.

Create Creamy Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet along with cooked orzo. garlic parmesan chicken fillet Stir gently while adding grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy—this is where magic happens!

Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything for that citrus zing that balances out the richness of cheese and shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Enjoy serving your Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp hot from the skillet. Garnish with additional parmesan if desired, then dig in! You’ll want to savor every bite while basking in compliments from family and friends. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Boursin Orzo recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and onions until fragrant, then add the orzo to toast it. Gradually stir in broth, cooking until al dente before folding in the shrimp and cheese. This sequence enhances flavors and ensures that everything comes together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or veggies for a twist. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda for added depth. A sprinkle of lemon zest will brighten up the dish, giving it that extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through to maintain creaminess.

I remember the first time I made Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp for my family—it was a chaotic kitchen scene full of laughter and spills. They devoured every bite and begged for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them properly before cooking for best results.

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can include spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking to kick up the heat!

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Delicious Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

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• Author: Luna Martinez
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, a dish that effortlessly combines tender orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and fresh spinach in a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends while delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp if using fresh ones.
2. Cook the orzo: Boil salted water in a pot, add orzo, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp; cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes).
4. Add spinach: Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes).
5. Create sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet with cooked orzo, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and adjust to taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 220mg