Description
A quick weeknight meal that brings bright Mediterranean flavors with al dente orzo, succulent shrimp, and vibrant spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove shrimp to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, then the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked orzo, lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the skillet. Toss together for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, about 30 seconds.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and fold in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges for garnish.
Notes
For the best flavor, avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking shrimp. Adjust the heat to prevent browning garlic too quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg