Orzo with shrimp

20 minutes

There are few dishes that are so delicious and versatile that they actually fit any occasion, and that is especially true of this orzo with shrimp. Whether you're cooking for dinner with friends, want to enjoy a plate of pasta in the evening sun, or prefer to eat in front of the TV: this pasta dish with shrimp, spinach and white wine is fortunately always to your liking.

Recipe with orzo and shrimp

Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles a grain of rice in shape and size. Yet orzo has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its versatility. In fact, you can use it in the kitchen in many ways: from casseroles to salads, and from soups to steaming pasta dishes.

In this orzo recipe without meat, you use shrimp and spinach as the main ingredients. The other seasonings in this recipe come mainly from Italian cuisine, such as sun-dried tomatoes, basil and Parmesan cheese. Therefore, it is an easy recipe for fish lovers or for those who simply don't like meat that much.

Healthy orzo with spinach and shrimp

This orzo with shrimp and spinach not only looks nice, but is also hearty and healthy. Shrimp by itself has relatively high protein and low calories, so very nice for those who are food conscious. In addition, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Spinach also makes a contribution here, with its well-known high content of iron, folic acid and antioxidants.

Moreover, the shrimp and spinach complement each other well in terms of flavor. The shrimp has a soft texture and salty flavor that pairs well with the earthiness of the spinach. Finally, the orzo ties the dish into a balanced savory whole with a soft bite.

Pasta with shrimp and spinach

Although there are many recipes for pasta with shrimp and spinach, the orzo in this recipe in particular creates a very distinct texture and flavor experience. In fact, one of the unique properties of this type of pasta is that it absorbs the sauce better, creating a more bound whole. Also, orzo has a soft bite of its own that cannot be compared to other pastas, which gives a dish that extra something.

More dishes with orzo

Are you also such a fan of orzo? I think it's a delicious pasta and have cooked with it many times. For example, check out this orzo with shrimp and peppers for just another variation of this recipe. If you prefer to cook without meat or fish, be sure to this easy baked orzo with spinach and mozzarella from the oven a try. Or how about a vegetarian ratatouille orzo with burrata?

What you need:

2
160 gr orzo
200 gr large shrimp or tiger shrimp
150 gr baby spinach
100 gr sun-dried tomatoes
75 ml dry white wine
100 ml of cooking cream
40 gr Parmesan cheese
+ extra for garnish
2 tbsp almond shavings
fresh basil
salt and pepper
olive oil

What to do:

1

Bring a pan of water to a boil and cook the orzo in it according to the package directions. Catch half a cup of the cooking liquid when draining.

2

Chop the onion and finely chop the garlic. Heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the onion in it. Then add the shrimp with some salt and pepper and fry for 4 minutes. Then add the garlic, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and fry until the spinach has shrunk.

3

Now add the cooked orzo along with the wine, cooking cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and, if necessary, cream up with the pasta water. Season further with salt and pepper.

4

Heat a skillet over high heat (without oil or butter) and toast the shaved almonds in it. Keep a close eye on them as this can go very quickly.

5

Divide the orzo among the plates and garnish with the almonds, additional Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.

6

Enjoy and don't forget to share your dish in your Instastory with the tag @easyculi!