Speedy Italian-Inspired Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Sizzling with Mediterranean charm, this Tuscan shrimp and orzo skillet recipe delivers a burst of coastal flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender shrimp nestle perfectly among soft, pillowy orzo, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs infuse each bite with vibrant, rich notes that transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Garlic and white wine mingle delicately, enhancing the seafood’s natural sweetness with their robust essence.

The dish comes together effortlessly in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and allowing more time to savor every delectable spoonful.

With its elegant simplicity and quick preparation, this skillet meal promises to become a new weeknight favorite that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right at home.

You’ll want to have seconds before the first bite is even finished.

Making Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Step-by-Step

• Flavor Foundation

Kickstart your culinary adventure by warming olive oil in a Dutch oven, transforming diced onions into a golden, aromatic base that sets the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

• Aromatic Awakening

Introduce minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo to the pan, sprinkling in Italian seasoning and a whisper of black pepper to create a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in broth and milk, letting the mixture bubble and dance, stirring constantly to prevent any sticky situations and ensure a creamy, dreamy texture.

• Seafood Finale

Gently fold in succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, allowing each ingredient to mingle and reach perfect doneness in just a few tantalizing minutes.

• Finishing Touch

Give your skillet a final taste test, adjusting seasonings as needed, and crown your creation with an extra dusting of Parmesan for that irresistible restaurant-quality finish.

Flavor Notes & Tweaks for Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Flavor Boosters: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that'll awaken your taste buds and give the dish a zesty Mediterranean touch.
• Protein Swaps: Replace shrimp with succulent chicken or tender white fish for a delightful variation that keeps the Tuscan spirit alive while offering versatility.
• Veggie Lover's Twist: Toss in extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to amp up nutrition and create more colorful, vibrant layers of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the orzo base in advance and add shrimp just before serving to save time and maintain perfect texture during busy weeknight dinners.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged asiago to bring unique nutty undertones that complement the creamy Parmesan base.

Plating Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Like a Pro

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this vibrant Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet as a stunning main course for your next dinner gathering, showcasing the beautiful blend of colors and textures.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Plating: Arrange the skillet on a rustic wooden board, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress your guests.
• Fresh Side Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich flavors with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, enhancing the seafood and bringing out the subtle notes of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.

Meal Planning Tips for Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Technique: Carefully transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, where the meal can maintain quality for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm the skillet dish in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent orzo from becoming dry or clumpy.
• Smart Meal Prep Hack: Prepare double batches during cooking, instantly creating convenient lunch portions for busy workdays or quick dinners during hectic weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that builds depth in the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic essence that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Shrimp: Tender, succulent seafood that brings a delicate marine sweetness to the skillet.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty complexity that complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated burst of tangy, slightly sweet Mediterranean flavor.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps develop rich cooking notes.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates a silky, savory liquid foundation for cooking.
• Whole or 2% Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps create a luxurious sauce texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes that transport the dish to Tuscan countryside.
• Kosher Salt: Crucial for balancing and intensifying all the dish's flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle, warming heat and aromatic depth.
• Baby Spinach: Introduces fresh, vibrant green color and nutritious leafy element.
• Orzo Pasta: Delicate, rice-like pasta that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting base.

Equipment Checklist for Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Dutch oven: Large, deep pot perfect for one-pan cooking and sautéing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing orzo from sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tool for adding correct amounts of broth, milk, and seasonings.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for dicing onions, mincing garlic, and slicing sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty Tuscan shrimp and orzo skillet brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with rich, creamy textures. Home cooks can savor this quick Italian-inspired meal packed with succulent shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lbs large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen
• 1 oz (28 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about ½ cup packed), plus more for serving
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
• 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lbs (454 g) dried orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat Dutch oven with olive oil, creating a flavorful base for the culinary masterpiece.
2. Aromatic Preparation: Add onions and garlic, gently coaxing them to translucent perfection while releasing their rich fragrance.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective essence.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour broth and milk into the mixture, bringing to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently to prevent any potential scorching.
5. Protein and Greens Incorporation: Gently nestle shrimp into the creamy orzo, folding in Parmesan and spinach, continuing to cook until shrimp turn opaque and spinach wilts.
6. Final Refinement: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and harmonious flavor profile that celebrates the dish’s Mediterranean inspiration.
7. Garnish Finale: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Stir orzo constantly during simmering to avoid bottom burning and ensure even, creamy texture.
• Shrimp Doneness: Cook shrimp until they turn opaque and slightly curl, typically 2-3 minutes, to maintain tender, juicy quality without overcooking.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Maintain precise broth and milk proportions to achieve perfect orzo consistency – too little liquid creates dry pasta, too much creates soupy result.
• Cheese Integration: Add Parmesan gradually and off heat to prevent separation, creating smooth, silky sauce that coats ingredients evenly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg