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To create this tasty dish, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish These ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful meal. The shrimp adds protein, while the orzo pasta provides a great base. You can enhance your dish with a few optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for brightness - Capers for a briny kick These extras add depth to the flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. This recipe includes shrimp and dairy. If you're looking for alternatives: - Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. - Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different flavors. - Swap heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option. Always check for allergies and dietary needs. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy Tuscan shrimp orzo! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes or until it's al dente. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute until it wilts. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked orzo and shrimp back to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil. To cook shrimp just right, heat your skillet before adding oil. Use medium heat for the best results. Add the shrimp in a single layer, letting them cook without stirring for a minute. This way, they get a nice sear. When they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so watch them closely. To enhance the flavor, season your shrimp well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. If you want more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. When you add the cream and broth, taste and adjust. You can add more salt or pepper as needed. Fresh basil on top adds a nice touch. To keep your dish creamy, don’t let the cream boil. Once you add the heavy cream, lower the heat. Stir gently and keep it at a simmer. This helps blend the flavors while avoiding curdling. You can also add the Parmesan cheese slowly, stirring as you go. This method helps create a smooth texture. {{image_2}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Just cut it into small pieces and cook until no longer pink. You can also use scallops for a fancy touch. They cook quickly and add great flavor. Tofu is a good choice too if you want a plant-based option. Just press it to remove excess water and sauté until golden. To make this dish vegetarian, replace shrimp with mushrooms or chickpeas. Both add a nice texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. For creaminess, try coconut milk or cashew cream. They work well and keep the dish rich and satisfying. Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Zucchini and bell peppers are great choices. They add color and crunch. Broccoli or asparagus can also be nice additions. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you cook the tomatoes. This way, they will soften but still stay bright and fresh. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place the Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing taste. When it’s time to reheat, use a skillet for the best flavor. Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat on medium until warm, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. If you choose this method, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warmth. If you want to save some for later, freezing works too. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat using one of the methods mentioned above. Yes, you can make Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo ahead of time. Cook the orzo and shrimp as the recipe states. Then, store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo pairs well with garlic bread or a simple salad. A side of roasted vegetables also adds color and flavor. You could serve it with a nice glass of white wine too. This meal is rich, so a light side works best. Yes, you can use different pasta in this dish. Penne or fusilli are good options. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Keep in mind that orzo gives a nice creamy texture, so pick a shape that holds sauce well. You may wonder about cooking shrimp. Make sure to not overcook them. They should be pink and firm, not rubbery. Also, if you like more veggies, try adding bell peppers or zucchini. They add great taste and color to the dish. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo combines rich flavors with simple steps. We covered the main ingredients and optional ones to boost taste. I shared my cooking tips to get perfect shrimp and maintain creaminess. You learned how to adjust flavors and make veggie or protein swaps. Plus, we discussed storing and reheating leftovers for the best results. With this guide, you can create a delicious dish that impresses! Enjoy your cooking journey!

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo

Savor the rich flavors of creamy Tuscan shrimp orzo with this easy recipe! Succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and fresh veggies come together in a luscious sauce to create a delightful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore this recipe and bring a taste of Tuscany to your kitchen tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

          Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.

            Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

              Add the cooked orzo and shrimp back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well coated and heated through.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                  Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4