Go Back
To make this creamy tomato garlic shrimp orzo, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Using fresh ingredients makes the dish pop. The shrimp and garlic give strong flavors. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. However, you can use pantry items too. Canned tomatoes and orzo are great staples. Heavy cream often lasts long in the fridge. It’s smart to keep these handy. If you need substitutes, don’t worry! Here are some quick ideas: - Orzo: Use any small pasta shape like ditalini or couscous. - Shrimp: Chicken or tofu works well if you want a change. - Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream for a lighter option. - Fresh basil: Dried basil can replace fresh, but use less. - Red pepper flakes: If you want no heat, skip them altogether. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs! To start, fill a pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it based on the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the oil. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Now, add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. After that, pour in a can of undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir to mix well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes until the sauce becomes creamy. Now it’s time to put it all together! Take the cooked orzo and add it to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your creamy tomato garlic shrimp orzo hot. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To boost the flavor of your creamy tomato garlic shrimp orzo, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright touch at the end. You can also sprinkle in some lemon zest for a zesty kick. If you like heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. Add more or less to fit your taste. A splash of white wine can deepen the flavor, too. Cook shrimp quickly for the best texture. They only need 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Make sure they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them; they can become rubbery fast. Use a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the shrimp. This adds flavor and a pleasing look to your dish. For a rich and creamy sauce, slowly add the heavy cream. Stir gently to blend it well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This keeps it smooth and helps the sauce cling to the orzo. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to get the perfect balance. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of this dish. Adding vegetables makes it colorful and tasty. Spinach is a great choice. You can toss in fresh spinach at the end of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a nice touch. You might also try bell peppers. Chop them small and add them with the garlic. They will soften and blend well into the sauce. Zucchini is another option. Just slice it thin and stir it in while cooking the shrimp. Adding vegetables not only makes the dish healthier, but it also gives more flavor and texture. If you like heat, you can spice this dish up. The recipe calls for red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to your taste. If you want it hotter, add more. For a milder flavor, leave out the red pepper flakes. You can add a touch of lemon juice after cooking. This adds brightness without the heat. Experiment with different spices too. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can bring more warmth without being too spicy. You can easily make this dish vegan and dairy-free. First, swap the shrimp for a plant-based protein. Chickpeas work great and add a nice texture. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. These will give you the same richness. You can find these at most grocery stores. Don't forget to check for the right pasta! Make sure your orzo is egg-free. Many brands offer vegan orzo options, making it easy to enjoy this dish in a new way. To keep your creamy tomato garlic shrimp orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep moisture out and prevents spoilage. Leftovers last for up to three days in the fridge. Always label your container with the date so you know when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove for the best taste. Use a skillet and add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also use a microwave. Place the orzo in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warming. If you want to store your shrimp orzo for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Your dish will stay good for about two months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before you plan to eat it. Reheat it as mentioned earlier for the best flavor and texture. You can tell when shrimp is cooked by looking at its color. Cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes in the skillet. If the shrimp is still gray and translucent, it needs more time. Always check that it is firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as it can become rubbery. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes if you want. Orzo is fun and quick, but other types work too. Small pasta shapes like penne or farfalle are great choices. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you pick. Make sure it cooks al dente for the best texture. To make it ahead, cook the orzo and shrimp separately. Store them in the fridge. You can combine them with the sauce just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can also reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess. This blog covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making a delicious shrimp dish. You learned how to choose fresh ingredients, enhance flavor, and store leftovers. Remember, cooking is about experimenting with flavors and textures. Try different variations to match your taste. By following these tips, you can create a tasty meal every time. Enjoy your cooking journey and keep exploring new recipes with confidence.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Orzo 15 Minutes

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Orzo that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta for a delightful dish in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it's packed with flavor and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the orzo pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

          Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes creamy.

            Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta well in the creamy tomato sauce.

              Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Remove from heat.

                Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

                  Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4