The Best Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe Ever Made

A vibrant Tuscan shrimp and orzo skillet promises a culinary adventure that crafts ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with remarkable elegance and simplicity.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with delicate seafood and tender pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Bright herbs and robust seasonings elevate this one-pan wonder beyond traditional meal expectations.

Weeknight cooking becomes an effortless celebration of taste and technique, offering maximum satisfaction with minimal preparation.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated steps or excessive kitchen equipment.

The combination of succulent shellfish and hearty grains ensures a balanced, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Flavor Highlights of Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Savor Quick and Easy Flavor Fusion: This Tuscan shrimp and orzo skillet delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Creamy Texture Delight: The combination of milk, Parmesan, and broth creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that coats each orzo grain and shrimp, providing a rich and comforting eating experience.
• Celebrate One-Pan Convenience: With minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking steps, this skillet recipe eliminates multiple dish washing, making weeknight dinners stress-free and efficient for families and individuals alike.
• Relish Nutrient-Packed Meal: Packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from spinach, and balanced carbohydrates from orzo, this dish offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You’ll Need for This Shrimp-Orzo Meal

• Shrimp: Large shrimp that are sweet and tender, best when fresh or properly thawed with no freezer burn.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds rich depth and umami flavor to the dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the skillet dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust and pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs that brings Mediterranean warmth to the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Offers a mild heat and sharp undertone to complement the other ingredients.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated and tangy ingredient that adds intense tomato flavor.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base and additional savory notes for cooking.
• Milk: Creates a creamy and rich sauce for the skillet.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh green that wilts beautifully and adds nutritional value.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning of the dish.

Cooking Instructions for a Tuscan-Inspired Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
• Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning
• Cooking time: 2-4 minutes

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

• Minced garlic
• Sliced sun-dried tomatoes
• Dried orzo
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt

Cooking time: 1 minute

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Milk

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil

Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer

Stir continuously to prevent orzo from sticking

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Step 4: Introduce Seafood and Greens

• Raw shrimp
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach

Cook until shrimp turns pink and opaque

Ensure orzo reaches perfect al dente texture

Cooking time: 2-3 minutes

Step 5: Final Season and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top

Serve hot and enjoy your skillet meal

Smart Tips for Creamy Orzo with Shrimp

• Stir Smartly: Prevent orzo from sticking by continuously stirring during the simmering process, ensuring even cooking and a creamy texture.
• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select plump, firm shrimp with a sweet ocean smell to guarantee the best flavor and texture in your skillet.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle simmer to cook orzo perfectly without burning, allowing grains to absorb liquid smoothly.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add garlic and Italian seasoning early to develop deep, rich flavors throughout the entire dish.
• Cheese Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan just before serving to enhance the creamy consistency and add a delightful salty note.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh from Skillet to Plate

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Package the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the shrimp and orzo maintain their quality.
• Reheat: Gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes, to preserve the tender texture of shrimp and creamy consistency of the orzo.

Wine and Sides That Pair Beautifully with This Dish

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the creamy Parmesan, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Rustic Italian bread toasted with garlic butter provides a perfect crunchy side that soaks up the rich, savory sauce from the skillet.
• Create a Fresh Citrus Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and acidity that enhances the sun-dried tomatoes and shrimp, bringing a zesty contrast to the creamy dish.
• Choose a Light Red Alternative: For red wine lovers, a chilled Beaujolais offers a fruity, low-tannin option that won't overpower the delicate seafood flavors.

Variations to Rework Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo

• Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Replace shrimp with a mix of calamari, mussels, and white fish for a diverse seafood experience.
• Spicy Chorizo Orzo: Swap shrimp with spicy chorizo sausage and add roasted red peppers for a bold, smoky flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Harvest Skillet: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas and add additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
• Creamy Chicken Orzo: Trade shrimp for diced chicken breast and incorporate cream cheese for an extra rich and comforting meal.

Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tuscan shrimp and orzo skillet brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table with creamy, herb-infused pasta and succulent shrimp. Rich garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach combine in this quick one-pan wonder that whisks you straight to Italian coastal charm.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen
• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about ½ cup packed), plus more for serving

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
• 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquids and Pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (454 grams) dried orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk

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Instructions

1. Warm a Dutch oven with olive oil, creating a sizzling foundation for the culinary journey ahead.
2. Introduce diced onions to the heated pan, gently coaxing them into a translucent, softened state with gentle movement.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a whisper of kosher salt, allowing the aromatics to dance and release their vibrant essence.
4. Stream in broth and milk, elevating the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle, persistent simmer that requires constant, tender stirring to prevent any potential sticking.
5. Nestle plump shrimp into the creamy orzo landscape, accompanied by delicate Parmesan and verdant spinach, continuing to cook with occasional gentle disruptions.
6. Monitor the orzo’s texture, ensuring it reaches the perfect al dente consistency while the shrimp transform into succulent, opaque treasures.
7. Calibrate the final seasoning with additional salt and pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tantalizes the palate.
8. Crown the skillet with a delicate snowfall of extra Parmesan cheese, providing a final luxurious touch to this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Notes

• Customize your skillet by choosing between fresh or frozen shrimp, ensuring maximum flavor flexibility.
• Save time by prepping ingredients beforehand, allowing quick and seamless cooking process.
• Leftover dish stays delicious when refrigerated and reheated gently within 2-3 days, making meal planning easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg