Name: Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp 21/25 size, thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed; ½ teaspoon italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 medium shallot, chopped finely; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned; ½ box orzo pasta, dry, approximately 8 ounces; 1 teaspoon italian seasoning; 2 ½ cups chicken stock or vegetable broth; 4 ounces fresh baby spinach, about 3 cups, packed; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; salt and pepper to taste

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Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Italian cuisine, fusing fresh flavors and textures into a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Creamy yet light, this recipe is packed with plump shrimp, tender orzo, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, all come together beautifully in one pan. When you take your first bite, you’ll notice how the subtle richness of cream combines with the satisfying chew of the orzo, creating a meal that is absolutely irresistible.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

I remember the first time I stumbled upon this dish; it was during a cozy family dinner where we craved something special yet manageable on a weeknight. The moment the shrimp hit the skillet, filling the kitchen with an aroma that makes your mouth water, I knew I had struck culinary gold. Our Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe is not just a delicious meal; it’s a gateway for creating cherished memories around the dinner table. Trust me, this dish is destined to become one of your family favorites, and I cannot wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just about 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend cooking.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach creates a mouthwatering experience with every forkful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors and a delightful creamy texture make this meal a showstopper at any dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Great as a weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining—ideal for any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be made vegetarian by swapping shrimp for mushrooms or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound large shrimp (21/25 size, thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed): The star protein of this dish, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a great texture. Look for fresh or sustainably sourced shrimp for the best flavor.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend brings a classic Italian flavor; feel free to make your own with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you like.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust this depending on your taste preferences; it enhances all other flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is preferable for its robust flavor.
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Extra virgin olive oil is best for sautéing, lending a flavorful base to the dish.
1 medium shallot (chopped finely, approx. ¼ cup): This mild onion variety adds sweetness and depth; you can substitute with yellow onion if needed.
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Essential for flavor, add more if you are a garlic lover!
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and julienned): These little gems offer a burst of intense flavor; opt for the oil-packed kind for ease of use.
½ box orzo pasta (dry, approximately 8 ounces): This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors of the broth beautifully.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (to enhance flavor): A little extra spice is always welcome.
2 ½ cups chicken stock or vegetable broth: Use chicken stock for richness, vegetable broth for a lighter vegetarian option, both will infuse the orzo with flavor.
4 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 3 cups, packed): Adds a pop of color and nutrition, wilting down beautifully in the dish.
½ cup heavy cream: For that creamy texture that ties everything together. If you need a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A must-have for its salty, rich flavor; feel free to use a substitute for a dairy-free option.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for adjusting the recipe to your liking.

How to Make Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Pat the shrimp dry: Begin by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This simple step ensures that the shrimp will sear nicely instead of steaming. Toss them in a bowl with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to evenly coat them with flavors.

Sauté the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat for about 1 minute. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp and sauté for roughly 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

Cook the aromatics: Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Let it heat for about 1 minute before adding the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes, just until the shallots soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the drained and julienned sun-dried tomatoes along with the extra teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this mixture cook for an additional minute, combining the flavors beautifully.

Add the orzo and broth: Throw in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth. Stir to combine everything well. Keep the heat medium, and cook while stirring frequently for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the stock is absorbed.

Incorporate the spinach: Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring to ensure it wilts down as you go. Once all the spinach is incorporated, pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream and mix in half of the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious sauce.

Return the shrimp and simmer: Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Garnish and serve hot: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and serve hot. Enjoy this dish with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it should last for about 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, taking care to remove excess air, and enjoy it within 3 months. When you’re ready to eat again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that the creaminess may change slightly, so adding a splash of broth or cream can help refresh the texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the skillet with the shrimp to ensure they have space to sear properly, which enhances their flavor and texture.
Make sure the shrimp are fresh and not overcooked; they only need a few minutes to turn perfectly tender.
If using a different type of stock, taste before adding any extra salt to prevent over-seasoning.
To adjust the creaminess, experiment with more or less heavy cream based on your preference.
Feel free to customize your greens—kale or Swiss chard can work in place of spinach for a different twist.

There’s much to love about this Healthy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Recipe. Not only does it deliver on flavor and satisfaction, but it invites you to explore fresh ingredients and build your own culinary flair. You might find yourself tempted to customize, so don’t hesitate! Dive into the vibrant flavors, and allow your palate to explore something new. Enjoy every moment and every bite; I hope it becomes a beloved recipe in your home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using frozen shrimp is perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag. Pat them dry before seasoning for the best results.

Can I substitute orzo with another type of pasta?

Definitely! If orzo isn’t available, you can use any small pasta like couscous, acini di pepe, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different pastas may vary.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! To create a dairy-free version, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream. Additionally, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese for that cheese flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic and shallots. Alternatively, fresh chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the dish to that zesty level you crave!