Description
A flavorful and creamy dish combining tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and orzo pasta in a rich sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water with bouillon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon, optional
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
- Add orzo to the skillet and stir to coat grains evenly with fat. Toast orzo for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until slightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine, and continue cooking uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest if using. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Return cooked shrimp to the pan and fold gently to incorporate. Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
- Spoon into serving dishes and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish is best served fresh, as the orzo may absorb too much liquid if left to sit.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg