This Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp features tender shrimp and orzo in a silky Parmesan sauce with garlic, roasted red peppers, baby bella mushrooms, onion, and spinach.
Table of Contents
- Why I love this recipe
- Expert Tips
- Recipe FAQs
- Reader Comments
- Process shots for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
- You may also enjoy
Why I love this recipe
This dish is fast and simple—ready in about 20 minutes—yet elegant enough for a date night. It’s a small-batch recipe that serves two, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Most of the cooking happens in a single pan, so cleanup is easy and the flavors meld beautifully.
Expert Tips
Roasted red peppers replace sun-dried tomatoes here because we prefer their flavor and texture, but either works. If you like, halved grape tomatoes are another nice option.
Using pre-peeled and deveined shrimp with tails removed saves time. If you buy whole shrimp, allow extra prep time.
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and pairs well with sauces, soups, salads, or baked dishes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes—simply omit the spinach and proceed as usual.
Mushrooms add a meaty texture; try eggplant or zucchini for bulk, or leave them out entirely if needed.
A lactose-free milk works well as a substitute; it keeps the creaminess while reducing lactose. Brands such as Fairlife are one option.
Reader Comments
Julie – This is a delicious recipe and super-easy. You likely already have everything to make it.
Lisa – I made this tonight and it was fantastic! Highly recommend.
Valerie – So yummy! I’ll be making this often—thank you for a great dish.
Toni V. – I’ve had this pinned for years; it’s a family favorite. I make a quadruple batch for our family and everyone loves it.
Process shots for Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
You may also enjoy
- Tuscan Chicken Sandwich
- Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken
- Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
- Baked Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Shrimp Alfredo
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Zona Cooks and Zona’s Lazy Recipes
Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- 2-quart medium saucepan
- Colander
- 12″ high-sided skillet
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic
- ½ pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 3 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained (or sun-dried tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups baby spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Dice the onion and slice the mushrooms.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- While the orzo cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and shrimp; cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the remaining butter in the skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the roasted red peppers and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan, allowing the sauce to simmer about a minute until the cheese melts.
- Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and chopped parsley, then stir to combine.
- Add the cooked shrimp and orzo to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately. Enjoy.
Notes
- Roasted red peppers can replace sun-dried tomatoes for a milder, sweeter flavor. Halved grape tomatoes also work well.
- Pre-peeled and deveined shrimp save time. If using unpeeled shrimp, account for extra prep time.
- Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and pairs well with this creamy sauce.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
Nutrition
Hi there, and a warm welcome! I’m Zona House, and my passion is simple, satisfying recipes.
I believe cooking should be enjoyable and delicious—let’s make meals that bring comfort and flavor.
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