One Pan Creamy Garlic Orzo With Shrimp: A Winter Classic
As the days get shorter, a warm, hearty meal like garlic shrimp pasta warms you from the inside out. And when it comes to easy orzo recipes, this one is a star. Think of it as a hug in a bowl – simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
This One Pan Creamy Garlic Orzo with Shrimp is just the dish you need to brighten those chilly evenings. Bursting with flavor and effortlessly simple to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s an impressive choice when hosting a casual dinner party.
Cozy Comfort Meets Gourmet Elegance
Winter cooking is all about striking a balance between comfort and ease without sacrificing flavor. This recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly.
This dish feels fancy but is very easy to make. Orzo, with its rice-like texture but pasta-like heart, makes an ideal canvas for this dish. When cooked in chicken broth and folded into cream and parmesan, it transforms into something truly magical.
Add the salty sweetness of shrimp, the mild heat of chili flakes, and the zing of lemon zest and fresh herbs for a flavor explosion. Garlic Shrimp Pasta and Easy Orzo Recipes are so popular right now. This dish mixes the best of both into one delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything comes together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for those nights when you want something special without a mountain of dishes staring back at you.
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Great for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner idea.
- Versatile Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry items like orzo, chicken broth, and spices you probably have at home. Don’t have fresh spinach? Kale or arugula work just as well.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This meal impresses at family dinners or gatherings with friends. It has that “wow” factor and is easy to make.
Building Layers of Flavor
The secret to making this Shrimp Orzo Recipe sing lies in the layers of flavor. You’ll start by seasoning the shrimp with a vibrant mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
A quick sear in the pan caramelizes the spices and creates a base of smoky goodness. From there, the onions and minced garlic become the main focus. They soften and create a wonderful aroma that makes everyone in the kitchen take notice.
Toasting the orzo is a small but important step that adds depth to the dish. This small detail turns a simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe into something special.
As the chicken broth cooks down, the orzo takes on all the great flavors. Then, the cream and parmesan join in, creating a rich and smooth texture. Toss in a couple of handfuls of spinach for color and freshness, and you’re almost there. By the time you return the cooked shrimp back to the pan, you are just minutes away from pure comfort in a bowl.
A Finishing Touch of Freshness
No dish is complete without a final flourish, and this Shrimp Orzo Recipe is no exception. A bit of lemon zest makes everything brighter. Freshly cracked black pepper and a good amount of parmesan finish it off. Don’t skimp on the fresh basil—it adds a pop of herbaceous vibrancy that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Perfect Pairings for Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish is a star on its own. To complete the meal, serve it with a fresh green salad.
Add a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Also a great holiday side dish, this will wow everyone around the table. And hey, if you’re into wine, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio will make the whole experience even better.
Grab a plate, pour a glass, and enjoy every bite—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration.
Winter Vibes in Every Bite of Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta dish is hearty enough to warm your soul, but light and vibrant enough to make you crave it year-round. Food invites you to slow down, savor, and share.
So, grab your pan, crank up the heat, and let’s bring a little comfort to your table with this creamy, garlic shrimp recipe. Trust me, it’ll be love at first bite.
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Ingredients:
For the Shrimp
- 20-30 Frozen shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
For the Orzo
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- lemon zest
Instructions:
- Start with the shrimp. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings. Sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes, then remove.
- In the same pan, add olive oil, garlic, and onions. Sauté over low heat until softened.
- Add orzo and toast for a minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and stir in cream, parmesan, spinach, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in fresh basil and return the shrimp to the pan.
- Top with lemon zest, cracked pepper, and additional parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
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