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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and creamy orzo pasta cooked in a rich sauce with Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat slightly, add butter to the same skillet and let melt, then add minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning, stirring constantly.
  4. Add orzo to the skillet and stir to coat with butter and garlic; toast for about 1 minute until lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add chopped broccoli florets, gently stir to combine, cover, and cook another 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
  7. Turn heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until a smooth creamy sauce forms; taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Fold cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently stir to combine, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and finish with optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest.

Notes

Patting the shrimp dry before cooking ensures a perfect sear., Toasting the orzo adds a nutty flavor to the dish., Chop broccoli small so it cooks evenly and quickly with the orzo., Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to preference., For a lighter sauce, swap half the cream for milk without losing creaminess., Serve with warm garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc., Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for brightness., Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation., Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make it gluten-free., For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and skip cheese and shrimp, replacing them with appropriate alternatives., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, reheat gently with broth or cream to loosen sauce., Freezing is possible but remove shrimp first; freeze orzo, broccoli, and sauce up to one month., Always discard leftovers left out over 2 hours and reheat until steaming hot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingcrumbs.com/creamy-orzo-shrimp-broccoli-a-delightful-dinner-recipe-dishes-tasty-easy-delicious-recipes/