A rich and creamy one-skillet dish, this Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is loaded with sautéed shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, all simmered with orzo in a luscious cream sauce. A comforting, elegant meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Skillet is a one-pan wonder filled with flavor. The creamy, garlicky sauce perfectly coats the orzo, while the shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach provide bursts of freshness and savory goodness. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count), thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Skillet:
1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
8 oz dry orzo pasta (about ½ a box)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2½ cups chicken stock
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Set aside.
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Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove and cover to keep warm.
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Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Cook shallot and garlic for 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
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Cook the Orzo: Add dry orzo and chicken stock. Simmer 5–8 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
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Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in spinach in batches, then add heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
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Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to skillet and simmer 5 more minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat and garnish with remaining Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
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Different Protein: You can substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different twist.
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Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the shrimp properly before cooking.
Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?
Yes, you can use small pasta like penne or fusilli, but the cooking time will vary.
How can I make the sauce richer?
Add more Parmesan cheese or a little butter to the sauce for extra creaminess.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or artichokes for additional flavor and texture.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
Yes, fresh spinach works just as well in this recipe.
How do I prevent the orzo from becoming mushy?
Stir constantly while cooking the orzo to prevent it from overcooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it. The flavors will meld even more after a day.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
What can I serve this with?
Serve it with garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Skillet is a quick yet elegant dish that combines creamy, garlicky goodness with succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s all made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Print
Tuscan Shrimp Orzo Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A rich and creamy one-skillet dish, this Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is loaded with sautéed shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, all simmered with orzo in a luscious cream sauce. A comforting, elegant meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (21/25 count), thawed, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- For the Orzo:
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about ¼ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
- 8 oz dry orzo pasta (about ½ a box)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2½ cups chicken stock
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with ½ tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Cook shallot and garlic for 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Orzo: Add dry orzo and chicken stock. Simmer 5–8 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in spinach in batches, then add heavy cream and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Finish: Return shrimp to skillet and simmer for 5 more minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat and garnish with remaining Parmesan before serving.
Notes
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 281
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 733mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 176mg
