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Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Skillet Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Dinner

creamy tuscan shrimp skillet - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Tuscan shrimp skillet with sun-dried tomato orzo that delivers comforting Mediterranean flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained but keep a little oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, rosemary mix)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup orzo and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, then fold in the drained orzo. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
  8. Let the skillet rest off heat for a minute to let flavors meld. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream. Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa for gluten-free option. Coconut cream and dairy-free cheese can substitute for dairy-free version. Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan shrimp, creamy shrimp skillet, sun-dried tomato orzo, quick shrimp dinner, easy weeknight meal, Mediterranean shrimp recipe