Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan Cajun shrimp orzo pasta dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is creamy, garlicky, and packed with spicy, smoky flavor, ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the shrimp by tossing them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the garlicky tomato butter.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped fresh parsley (if using), and the cooked shrimp.
- Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp pasta immediately.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp seasoning.
- If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with rice, couscous, or another small pasta shape.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the creamy texture.
- To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 (estimate)
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A