Creamy Shrimp Orzo
A comforting pasta dish combining tender shrimp and orzo in a luxurious cream and garlic sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy cream.
- 1 cup chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Grana Padano or nutritional yeast can be used for vegan options.
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
- In another pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the large shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, add the cooked orzo and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, do not freeze as the cream sauce may separate. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.