Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a rich, one-pan dinner featuring tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked orzo in a velvety Parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food made simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—all while being quick enough for a weeknight meal. It’s made in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. The shrimp adds protein, orzo creates a risotto-like base, and the creamy sauce ties it all together with cheesy, savory depth.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil (and optional sun-dried tomato oil)
• Garlic, minced
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh spinach
• Optional: Artichoke hearts, lemon zest or juice

directions

this recipe

1. Season shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sear shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in orzo and sun-dried tomatoes. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
6. Stir in spinach, optional artichokes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
7. Return shrimp to the pan. Stir and cook until heated through.
8. Finish with lemon zest or juice if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use half-and-half for a lighter version
• Replace sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers
• Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables
• Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops
• Use veggie broth for a pescatarian version

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce
• Not recommended for freezing due to the dairy content and delicate texture of spinach

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.

What’s the best cream to use?

Heavy cream gives the richest result, but half-and-half works for a lighter sauce.

Is this gluten-free?

Not with traditional orzo, but you can use gluten-free orzo made from corn or rice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

How do I keep orzo from sticking?

Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid during cooking.

What’s a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes work well.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can cook the shrimp and prep ingredients ahead, but cook the orzo fresh for best texture.

How can I make it more lemony?

Add more lemon juice and zest at the end to brighten the flavor.

What herbs can I add?

Fresh basil or parsley adds a great finish.

What should I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, a simple salad, or roasted veggies pair well.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a comforting, indulgent meal that comes together fast and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something a little special without the fuss. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

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