If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner without the fuss, this Creamy Shrimp Orzo is exactly what you need. It has the luxurious texture of risotto, but it cooks in a fraction of the time and all in one pan. Tender garlic shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes come together to make a vibrant, flavor-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a comforting meal that still feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One pan, minimal cleanup — The shrimp, veggies, and orzo all cook in the same skillet.
✔ Ready in 30 minutes — Quick, easy, and perfect for busy days.
✔ Creamy + hearty — Heavy cream and orzo create a dreamy, silky sauce that feels like risotto.
✔ Protein + veggies in one meal — Shrimp, spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes make this a nutritious, colorful dinner.
✔ Restaurant flavor at home — Elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight.
What Is Orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped Italian pasta made from semolina flour. It cooks quickly and becomes wonderfully creamy when simmered in broth — making it perfect for one-pan dishes like this. For best results, use a larger-cut orzo (such as Delallo No. 65).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Orzo & Sauce
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Orzo
1. Sear the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and minced garlic; cook about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Transfer to a plate — don’t overcook; shrimp continue cooking later.
2. Toast and Cook the Orzo
- In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and olive oil. Stir for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Pour in chicken stock and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
3. Add the Veggies + Cream
- Stir in spinach, artichokes, and heavy cream.
- Cook on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts and the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the shrimp (and their juices!) to the skillet.
- Warm everything through for 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra smoked paprika.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality shrimp: Raw shrimp gives you the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to get a proper sear.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp only need a couple of minutes per side.
- Use a heavy pan: Cast iron or stainless steel heats evenly and helps prevent sticking.
- Adjust thickness: Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too quickly.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make this recipe your own with easy swaps:
Protein Options
- Scallops
- Lobster or crab meat
- Salmon or chicken
- Italian sausage or steak strips
Veggie Add-Ins
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Kale or arugula
Dairy-Free Options
Use one of these instead of heavy cream:
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Cashew milk
- Almond or oat milk (use less since they’re thinner)
Boost the Flavor
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Finish with Parmesan, Pecorino, or Gruyere
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top
- Add fresh basil or thyme
Storage & Reheating
Cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored carefully.
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat on stovetop: Add a splash of cream, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Reheat in oven: 350°F for 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
- Do not freeze: The cream sauce will separate.
What to Serve with Shrimp Orzo
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with fresh salads and crusty bread:
- Garlic bread or Italian baguette
- Apple spinach salad
- Tomato cucumber avocado salad
- Arugula salad with pears and cashews
- Cranberry spinach salad
More Orzo Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Pesto
- Creamy Chicken Orzo with Butternut Squash
- Italian Sausage Orzo Soup
- Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Sausage