Creamy Basil Shrimp & Tomato Orzo
Creamy Basil Shrimp & Tomato Orzo is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh basil, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. This vibrant recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special enough for any occasion. With bold flavors and stunning presentation, this dish will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot; add the orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes with salt and pepper.
- Fold in the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- Lower heat; stir in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Combine the cooked orzo with the creamy mixture and fold in fresh basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini. For lighter options, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use zoodles instead of pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.