Creamy Orzo Shrimp Broccoli (Print-Friendly Version)

Shrimp, creamy orzo, and broccoli join for a flavorful, cozy dish ready for any night.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pantry

04 - 1 cup orzo pasta
05 - 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water with bouillon
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Seasoning

08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Ground black pepper, to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

→ Dairy

11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Citrus (optional)

13 - Zest of 1 lemon, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
03 - Add orzo to the skillet and stir to coat grains evenly with fat. Toast orzo for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until slightly golden.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5 minutes.
05 - Add chopped broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine, and continue cooking uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest if using. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
07 - Return cooked shrimp to the pan and fold gently to incorporate. Taste for seasoning and adjust with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
08 - Spoon into serving dishes and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and zest the lemon directly over the orzo to enhance aroma.

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