Creamy Cajun Shrimp Orzo
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Orzo is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp and tender orzo pasta in a rich, spicy cream sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this quick recipe is packed with bold flavors and vibrant colors, making it an Instagram-worthy meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to bring a taste of the South to your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and chopped shallots until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp are pink and opaque (3-5 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese to the skillet; gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: For extra nutrition, substitute shrimp with chicken or add spinach. Adjust spice levels by increasing cayenne pepper for more heat.