Creamy One-Pot Shrimp and Spinach Orzo
In short: Orzo simmered in garlicky stock until creamy, then finished with shrimp, spinach, lemon and Parmesan. A one-pot dinner in 30 minutes. It takes about 32 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 22 min
- Total
- 32 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 490 kcal
Orzo cooked like risotto in a single pan releases starch and turns the broth into a creamy sauce with very little cream. The shrimp go in during the last few minutes so they stay tender, and spinach wilts into the pot at the end. Lemon and Parmesan finish it. There is only one pan to wash, which is most of the appeal on a weeknight.
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with a pinch of the salt and pepper. Warm the stock in a saucepan and keep it hot.
- Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1 minute. Pour in the wine and let it bubble until almost gone.
- Add the hot stock and the remaining salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is nearly tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Lay the shrimp on top, cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until pink, opaque and 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Stir in the spinach, lemon zest, lemon juice and Parmesan until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Add a splash of hot water if the dish is too thick.
- Scatter with parsley and serve straight away, since orzo thickens as it stands.
Tips
- Stir often during the first 8 minutes to release the starch that makes the sauce creamy.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and swap the shrimp for 400 g (14 oz) canned chickpeas, added with the spinach.
Questions and answers
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Small shapes such as ditalini or small shells work, though cooking times vary. Check the package and add a little more stock if needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use olive oil in place of the butter and leave out the Parmesan. A little extra lemon juice brightens the flavor.
How do I reheat leftover orzo?
Add a splash of stock or water and warm it gently over low heat, since the orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. Eat within 2 days.
How long does it take to make Creamy One-Pot Shrimp and Spinach Orzo?
About 32 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 22 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Creamy One-Pot Shrimp and Spinach Orzo?
About 490 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 53 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 490 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
