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### Why Make Tuscan Shrimp Orzo?
There are several reasons why **Tuscan Shrimp Orzo** is a fantastic choice for any meal:
– **Quick and Easy**: The entire dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
– **One-Pot Meal**: This recipe is a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterward—a major win for any home cook.
– **Flavorful and Comforting**: The combination of succulent shrimp, tender orzo, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
– **Healthy Ingredients**: While rich in flavor, **Tuscan Shrimp Orzo** is also packed with healthy ingredients like shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, while spinach adds vitamins A, C, and K to the dish.
– **Customizable**: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables, make it gluten-free, or substitute the shrimp for chicken or tofu, this dish is incredibly versatile.
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### Ingredients for Tuscan Shrimp Orzo
To make **Tuscan Shrimp Orzo**, you’ll need the following ingredients:
#### For the Shrimp:
– **1 lb large shrimp** (peeled and deveined)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **1 teaspoon smoked paprika** (for a bit of smokiness)
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder** (for extra flavor)
– **1 teaspoon Italian seasoning** (for an herbaceous note)
#### For the Orzo and Sauce:
– **1 cup orzo pasta**
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for cooking the vegetables)
– **3 cloves garlic** (minced)
– **1 cup sun-dried tomatoes** (packed in oil, chopped)
– **2 cups fresh spinach** (washed and chopped)
– **1 cup heavy cream** (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
– **1/2 cup chicken broth** (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (for added creaminess and flavor)
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** (freshly squeezed)
– **1 teaspoon fresh basil** (chopped, or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
– **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional, for a little heat)
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Tuscan Shrimp Orzo
#### Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by preparing the shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are thawed before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water for a few minutes.
Once the shrimp are thawed, peel and devein them if necessary. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear properly.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shrimp with **olive oil**, **salt**, **pepper**, **smoked paprika**, **garlic powder**, and **Italian seasoning**. Stir until the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
#### Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the **orzo pasta** according to the package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes for al dente). Once the orzo is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to save about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
#### Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly crispy around the edges. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tender texture. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
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