Introduction
Do you ever want something delicious, simple, and warm for dinner? A meal that fills you up without a lot of cooking time? I understand that feeling. Sometimes the best meals come from using fresh ingredients and letting them guide you. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that is great for weeknights. It brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of a sunny feeling to your table. Get ready to love Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo.
Why Make This Recipe
This Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo is more than just a recipe; it’s a great meal. Here’s why you will love it:
- Fast Dinner: You can make this meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Great Flavor: The mix of tasty garlic shrimp, soft orzo, and fresh spinach makes a memorable taste.
- Almost One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup means more time to enjoy your food and less time washing dishes.
- Healthy Meal: It has lean protein, spinach with iron, and whole grains for a balanced, healthy meal.
- Good for Families: Even picky eaters often like the comforting feel and easy flavors.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
Let’s make this great dish with simple steps.
Ingredients of Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
To make this tasty Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo, get these fresh ingredients:
- Protein:
- Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- Flavorings:
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Yellow Onion, finely diced
- Pasta:
- Orzo pasta
- Vegetables:
- Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped
- Liquids:
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low sodium is best)
- Lemon Juice, fresh
- Fats & Seasonings:
- Olive Oil
- Butter
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Parmesan Cheese, grated
Directions of Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
#### Prepping for Perfection
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Put a little salt and pepper on them.
- Cut the Veggies: Mince garlic, dice onion, and roughly chop spinach.
- Measure Ingredients: Get all your ingredients measured and ready. This makes cooking easy!
#### Cooking the Orzo
- Cook Flavorings: In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and clear. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you use them) and cook for another minute until it smells good. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toast Orzo: Add orzo to the pan and stir. Toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. This makes your Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo taste richer.
- Cook Orzo in Broth: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook as directed on the package. Stir sometimes until almost all liquid is gone and the orzo is tender but firm.
#### Sautéing the Shrimp
- Cook Shrimp Separately: While the orzo cooks, in another pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in one layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink. Do not crowd the pan; cook in smaller groups if you need to. Take the shrimp out of the pan and set aside.
#### Finishing the Dish
- Wilt the Spinach: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach a little at a time. It will quickly soften in the warm orzo.
- Mix and Season: Gently mix the cooked shrimp into the orzo and spinach. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
This Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo goes well with many sides:
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with dressing.
- Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: For more vegetables.
How to Store Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips to Make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
- Do Not Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Overcooked shrimp can be chewy.
- Adjust Broth: Orzo soaks up liquid differently. If your orzo is too dry, add a bit more broth. If it is too wet, uncover and cook gently until it’s the right consistency.
- Freshness Matters: Fresh garlic and spinach will make your Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo taste much better.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Creamy Taste: Stir in one or two tablespoons of cream cheese or a little heavy cream at the end for a creamier dish.
- Tomato Taste: Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking the orzo.
- Herbal Boost: Try other fresh herbs like dill or oregano.
FAQs
#### Q1: Can I make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo ahead of time?
A1: It tastes best fresh. But you can make it ahead. The orzo might soak up more liquid and become softer. Reheat it gently on the stove with a little broth or water to loosen it.
#### Q2: What if I don’t have broth for my Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo?
A2: That’s fine! You can just use water instead of broth. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a similar bright taste.
#### Q3: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo recipe?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as you can before adding it to the orzo. Fresh spinach gives a brighter taste and feel.
#### Q4: How do I stop the shrimp from becoming tough in my Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo?
A4: Cook the shrimp quickly over medium-high heat. Take them out of the pan as soon as they turn pink. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Only gently mix them back into the orzo at the very end to warm them up.
Zesty Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium Yellow Onion finely diced
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 5 oz Fresh Spinach roughly chopped
- 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice fresh
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
Main Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Mince garlic, dice onion, chop spinach, and measure all other ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, cook diced onion until soft, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the pan and stir until slightly golden to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
- While orzo cooks, sauté seasoned shrimp in butter in a separate pan until pink and opaque; set aside.
- Once orzo is cooked, stir in fresh spinach until it wilts into the warm orzo.
- Gently mix in cooked shrimp and fresh lemon juice, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.