Shrimp and Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful Shrimp and Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese recipe! Tender orzo pasta is combined with perfectly seared shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty garlic-lemon broth, creating a dish that's both comforting and vibrant. Finished with grated Parmesan for a creamy richness and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an herby touch, this one-pan wonder is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining. Plus, the addition of customizable spice levels, thanks to optional red pepper flakes, ensures a perfect balance of heat and brightness in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-9 minutes. Drain the orzo, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Deglaze the skillet by stirring in the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine and coat it in the sauce. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed and creamy.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1540.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1570.0

Total Fat 73.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 965.8mg	0%
Sodium 5144.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 84.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.0g
Protein 158.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1151.3mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 2259.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.6%

Protein: 38.7%

Carbs: 20.6%