Name: garlic orzo tuscan shrimp recipe creamy flavorful dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250g (8oz) Orzo Pasta: rice-shaped pasta for texture; 500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: base for flavorful orzo; 300g (10 ½oz) Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: provides a satisfying bite; 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: essential for Tuscan flavor; 1 Small Onion, Finely Diced: adds sweetness and depth; 200g (7oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: contributes acidity and sweetness; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: heart of Mediterranean cooking; ½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika: adds smoky depth; ¼ tsp (1g) Red-Pepper Flakes: introduces gentle warmth; Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: enhances flavors; 1 cup (30g) Fresh Basil Leaves: star of the pesto; ¼ cup (35g) Unsalted Pistachios, Toasted: adds nutty flavor and crunch; ¼ cup (25g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: adds salty, umami flavor; 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon Juice: brightens the pesto; 1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil (for pesto): creates smooth pesto; 1 Tbsp (10g) Toasted Pine Nuts (Garnish): adds crunch; 2 Sprigs Fresh Basil Leaves (Garnish): adds color and fragrance

Description

This Tuscan Shrimp over Garlic Orzo with Basil-Pistachio Pesto Swirl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that balances the sweetness of shrimp with the heartiness of garlic orzo, finished with a bright pesto. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe delivering restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients

Scale

250g (8oz) Orzo Pasta: rice-shaped pasta for texture
500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: base for flavorful orzo
300g (10 ½oz) Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined: provides a satisfying bite
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: essential for Tuscan flavor
1 Small Onion, Finely Diced: adds sweetness and depth
200g (7oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes, Drained: contributes acidity and sweetness
2 Tbsp (30ml) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: heart of Mediterranean cooking
½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika: adds smoky depth
¼ tsp (1g) Red-Pepper Flakes: introduces gentle warmth
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: enhances flavors
1 cup (30g) Fresh Basil Leaves: star of the pesto
¼ cup (35g) Unsalted Pistachios, Toasted: adds nutty flavor and crunch
¼ cup (25g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: adds salty, umami flavor
2 Tbsp (30ml) Lemon Juice: brightens the pesto
1 Tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil (for pesto): creates smooth pesto
1 Tbsp (10g) Toasted Pine Nuts (Garnish): adds crunch
2 Sprigs Fresh Basil Leaves (Garnish): adds color and fragrance

Instructions

Boil the Orzo: Cook orzo in vegetable broth until al dente, then drain.
Prepare the Pesto: Blend basil, pistachios, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil into a coarse paste.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until softened and fragrant.
Build Tomato Base: Simmer tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red-pepper flakes with aromatics.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, then set aside.
Toss with Pesto: Toss cooked orzo with half of the pesto.
Plate and Garnish: Arrange orzo and shrimp, swirl with remaining pesto.
Final Touches: Sprinkle with pine nuts and garnish with basil.

Notes

For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil, one teaspoon at a time. Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: shrimp,orzo,pesto,tuscan,italian,pasta,basil,pistachio,garlic