Description
Creamy Shrimp Orzo Pasta combines tender shrimp, garlic, basil, and parmesan in a rich cream sauce for a quick and satisfying seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried basil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in basil.
- Add cooked orzo and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook 1–2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
- Fresh basil adds brighter flavor but dried basil works well.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for added richness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg