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To make this tasty dish, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy meal. The shrimp adds protein, while the orzo acts as a hearty base. The spinach and tomatoes bring freshness and color. You can personalize your shrimp orzo with these optional ingredients: - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme - Lemon zest for a bright flavor - Red pepper flakes for heat - Artichoke hearts for extra texture - Cream cheese for more creaminess Feel free to add or swap ingredients to match your taste. Cooking should be fun and flexible. To finish off your dish, consider these toppings: - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves - A drizzle of olive oil - Cracked black pepper These toppings elevate the flavors and make your dish look beautiful. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite! {{ingredient_image_1}} You need to gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking easier and faster. Here’s what you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish 1. Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burned. 3. Next, toss in the shrimp, adding salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. 4. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. 5. In the same pot, add the orzo. Stir it for about 1 minute to lightly toast it. 6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir now and then to stop sticking. 7. After the orzo is al dente, mix in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. 8. Return the shrimp to the pot and mix gently. Heat everything for another 1-2 minutes. 9. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. 10. Remove from heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. 11. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. For that perfect finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese adds a lovely flavor. Fresh basil gives a nice aroma and bright color. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when cooking. This dish is rich and creamy, so serve it warm for the best taste! When cooking shrimp, timing is key. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Always remove the shrimp from the pot early. This way, they will stay tender while you finish the dish. To get that perfect creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It thickens well and adds richness. After cooking the orzo, add the cream slowly. Stir it gently to mix. This helps prevent lumps. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more broth. Always check the consistency before serving. Seasoning is vital for flavor. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Fresh garlic makes the dish pop. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy taste. Don’t forget to taste as you cook. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Just a pinch more salt or pepper can make a big difference. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the pot as soon as they are cooked to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Al Dente Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks to ensure it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. Make it Creamy: For a richer flavor, let the heavy cream simmer for a minute or two before adding the other ingredients. This helps to enhance the creaminess of the sauce. Fresh Herbs Finish: Always add fresh herbs like basil after cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor and color. This will elevate the dish's overall presentation and taste. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian dish, you can swap shrimp for mushrooms. Use 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also add chickpeas for protein. They add great flavor and texture. Try using diced zucchini or eggplant for a fresh twist. Both choices work well in this creamy dish. Orzo is a great pasta choice, but you can use others too. Try using farro or quinoa for a hearty option. If you want gluten-free, use rice or gluten-free pasta. Each choice brings a unique taste and texture. Just watch the cooking times, as they may differ from orzo. You can customize the recipe to fit your needs. If you are lactose-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. It gives a creamy feel without dairy. For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of orzo. You can also use vegetable broth for a plant-based dish. These swaps keep your meal tasty and enjoyable. After you enjoy your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo, always store leftovers properly. Cool the dish to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date, so you remember when you made it. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is simple. Place the orzo in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir well and heat until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating instructions above for the best results. To make One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo, start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add minced garlic and cook it for a minute. Then, add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until pink. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. Next, add orzo pasta to the same pot and stir for about one minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and cover the pot, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender. Now, stir in heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Finally, return the shrimp to the pot, mix gently, and heat through. Serve it warm with Parmesan cheese and basil on top. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw them first. To thaw, place shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This step will save you time and still give you tasty results. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a special touch, try a glass of white wine to complement the dish. This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems a bit dry when reheating. You learned about the key ingredients and steps to make One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo. I shared tips on cooking shrimp, creating a creamy sauce, and enhancing flavors. You can even try different pasta or a vegetarian option. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. This dish is simple and tasty, perfect for any meal. Dive into your kitchen and make this delightful recipe today!

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta cooked in one pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the shrimp to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the orzo and stir it around for about 1 minute to toast it slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover, cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, add the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down and everything is combined.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and mix gently to incorporate. Allow to heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
  • Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
Keyword creamy, Italian, one pot, orzo, shrimp