Description
A deliciously creamy and flavorful one-pot dish with tender shrimp, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Orzo & Sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
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3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp:
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In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
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Toss the shrimp in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Orzo & Sauce:
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add red pepper flakes (if using) and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for another 1-2 minutes.
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Add orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
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Combine Shrimp and Orzo:
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Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to warm through and the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
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Notes
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For a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
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You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or other seafood if preferred.
- This dish is fantastic served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian