Shrimp and Orzo Delight
A delightful shrimp and orzo dish that's creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet For searing and cooking the dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 16 or 20 count
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.33 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or high-sided non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned shrimp and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the orzo is lightly browned.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is cooked through.
- Add the fresh spinach and chopped artichokes to the skillet. Stir everything together on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the seared shrimp back into the skillet. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, or until everything is warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.