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To make One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo, you will 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, packed - 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 These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The shrimp adds protein, while the orzo gives it heartiness. You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo. Quinoa also works well if you want a different grain. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a vegan option. To cook this dish, you will need: - A large pot or Dutch oven - A wooden spoon for stirring - A chef's knife for chopping - A cutting board for prep These tools help make cooking easy and fun. A good pot is key for even cooking, while a wooden spoon is gentle on your cookware. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, we need to cook the shrimp. First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Then, add the shrimp. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to turn opaque and pink. Once done, remove the shrimp and set it aside on a plate. Next, we toast the orzo. In the same pot, add the uncooked orzo. Toss it in the oil and garlic for about 1 minute. This step is key as it enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo. Make sure to coat it well with the oil. Now, it’s time to cook the orzo. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, turn down the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender yet still al dente. Once the orzo is done, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts. Finally, gently fold the shrimp back into the pot. Warm it for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. To get a silky sauce, use heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and thickness. Stir it in slowly after cooking the orzo. This keeps the sauce smooth. If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half. Just remember, this will change the creaminess. Seasoning is key. I use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste the dish as you cook. This helps you adjust flavors to your liking. If you want more zest, add lemon juice or zest at the end. Fresh basil also adds a nice touch. Timing is important with shrimp and orzo. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. For orzo, check it around 8 minutes. You want it al dente, not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible as they provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Make it Even Creamier: For a richer sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. This will give the dish a velvety texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors to meld together and gives the orzo a chance to absorb the sauce. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Simply cut it into small pieces and cook it the same way as shrimp. If you want a plant-based option, use mushrooms. Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden. They add a nice texture and flavor. You can change the taste of the dish with herbs and spices. Try adding fresh parsley or oregano for a bright flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little heat. You can also add lemon juice for a zesty kick. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite mix. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and color. Zucchini is a great choice. Slice it thin and cook it with the orzo. Bell peppers also add sweetness and crunch. Chop them up and toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay crisp and vibrant. To store your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo, let it cool first. Place the dish in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just use a freezer-safe container. This way, it lasts up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth. This helps keep the dish creamy. Heat it slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir often to mix in the added liquid. You can also use a microwave, but add a bit of liquid. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. However, for the best flavor and texture, eat it within one month of freezing. Always check for any off smells or colors before eating leftovers. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the shrimp and orzo, then cool them. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them gently. Add the cream and fresh ingredients just before serving. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite. - A fresh green salad with light dressing. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor. - Steamed asparagus for a healthy touch. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This way, you can enjoy a rich and creamy dish without meat. In this blog post, we explored a delicious recipe for One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo. We went over the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to create the perfect dish. Remember, you can customize it with different proteins or vegetables. Storing and reheating are simple, ensuring your meal stays fresh. I hope this guide inspires you to try this easy, creamy dish. Enjoy cooking and customizing it to your taste!

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and creamy one-pot dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

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, packed
  • 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 minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • Incorporate the shrimp into the pot, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same pot, add the uncooked orzo, tossing it in the residual oil and garlic for about 1 minute. This toasting step enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender yet al dente.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the fresh spinach. Continue to stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined.
  • Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pot, warming it through for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
  • Serve the creamy orzo in bowls, generously topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

For added flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
Keyword creamy, Italian, one pot, orzo, shrimp