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.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from the heat and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 9
Serve the creamy orzo with spinach and shrimp immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1549.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2473.1 |
| Total Fat 119.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 62.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 1163.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5095.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 166.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.9g | |
| Protein 189.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 811.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1697.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1750.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories