Description
This Shrimp Orzo with Tomato Basil Blush is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal featuring creamy orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and a rich tomato basil sauce. It’s designed for busy weeknights, offering healthy eating that’s easy to prepare for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb peeled, devained raw shrimp
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup packed, chopped fresh basil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large 10-inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build Sauce: Stir in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 3 cups of broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Orzo: Add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the simmering sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until the orzo is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, absorbing most of the liquid. If it looks dry, splash in 0.25 cup more broth or water at a time until the desired consistency.
- Add Shrimp: Stir in the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. Resist the urge to overcook. Optionally, sneak in a handful of fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the hot sauce.
- Finish And Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 0.5 cup of fresh basil and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
To avoid orzo sticking, ensure adequate liquid and stir often. For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. For a vegan version, omit shrimp, use vegetable broth, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan. Opt for organic tomatoes, wild-caught shrimp, and freshly grated Parmesan for enhanced flavor and quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 380 g)
- Calories: 435 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: Shrimp, Orzo, Tomato, Basil, Weeknight, Quick, Easy, Stovetop, Pasta, Healthy