Recipe: Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet - Alabama NewsCenter

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Having an arsenal of quick and easy weeknight recipes is super important for us during the busy school year. But as things crank up for summer, I’m finding my need for those fast recipes that come together easily isn’t fading. With summer camp, football practice and the like, it seems we’re just as busy in the summer as we are during the school year.

That’s why I love this super easy Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet. It takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish, and it all cooks in the same pan – even the orzo.

After preparing this one-pan skillet meal, it is sure to become a welcomed weeknight favorite. (Stacey Little /Southern Bite)

It’s also packed with flavor. I mean, who can say no to peppers, onions and garlic, right? And I add a healthy dose of Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning for a punch of flavor that kicks this dish up a notch.

With a little help from some heavy cream, the starch from the pasta and the chicken broth combine to create a rich sauce, and then it gets topped with melty mozzarella cheese. This is one of those ooey-gooey comfort food dishes that really sticks to your ribs.

So what’s the deal with orzo? Well, orzo is a short, rice-shaped pasta – yes, pasta – that has tons of uses. Orzo literally means barley in Italian and is called so because of the pasta’s similar shape to barley. But this pasta is rarely called orzo in Italy – or so I’m told. (Dreams of an Italian vacation where I can find out for myself …) Apparently, Americans call it orzo more frequently. Go figure.

Regardless, the pasta is versatile and one that works perfectly in this recipe.

If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have an allergy, simply replace the shrimp with about 1 pound of diced chicken breast or sausage (or both) and cook through, just as in the recipe (keeping in mind the chicken will take a bit longer to cook), and then continue with the recipe as written.

I’m convinced your family will love this skillet meal because it’s so delicious. And you’ll love it because it’s so easy, and cleanup is a breeze.

Keep family nights enjoyable even after a long, busy day. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning, divided
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups traditional orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan. Set shrimp aside.
5. Add the bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent – about 5 minutes.
6. Add more oil if necessary.
7. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
8. Add the undrained tomatoes, broth, heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning.
9. Bring to a boil, then stir in the orzo.
10. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
11. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender to your liking.
12. Add more Creole seasoning if desired.
13. Add the shrimp back to the top of the pasta and sprinkle the cheese over the top.
14. Turn off the heat and cover. Keep covered until shrimp has heated through and the cheese has melted.
15. Serve immediately.

 This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”

The Link Lonk


June 27, 2021 at 12:08AM
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Recipe: Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet - Alabama NewsCenter

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