Shrimp with Saffron Orzo

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this luxurious Shrimp with Saffron Orzo recipe, a perfect harmony of elegance and comfort. Tender, pan-seared shrimp are paired with creamy, saffron-infused orzo for a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color. The orzo is cooked to perfection in a flavorful mix of chicken broth, dry white wine, and aromatic saffron threads, then finished with heavy cream, Parmesan, and a zesty touch of lemon. Fresh parsley and silky butter add a refined yet approachable finish, making this one-pot meal a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or treating yourself to a gourmet experience, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is ready in just 40 minutes, combining ease, elegance, and irresistible flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp saffron threads
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the chicken broth and saffron threads to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the orzo, stirring often, for about 10-12 minutes or until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is creamy.

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1719.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2166.3

Total Fat 90.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1019.3mg	0%
Sodium 3791.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 167.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 157.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 856.7mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 1468.4mg	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: 38.5%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 31.7%