Creamy Shrimp Orzo

Ingredients

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• 12 oz large raw shrimp
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⅓ cups orzo
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Cajun seasoning, to taste
• 5 oz baby spinach
• Grated Parmesan, as needed

Method

1. 1

   Add the shrimp to a bowl with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, and olive oil. Mix until the shrimp is evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 4–5 minutes, turning as needed, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, leaving the seasoning and juices in the pan.

3. 3

   Add the butter to the same skillet, followed by the diced onion. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the orzo and mix it into the onions, scraping up the seasoning from the bottom of the skillet as you stir.

6. 6

   Pour in the water and heavy cream. Add the salt, chili flakes, and Cajun seasoning and mix everything together.

7. 7

   Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender. If the orzo absorbs the liquid too quickly, add a small splash of water.

8. 8

   Remove the lid and add the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts into the orzo.

9. 9

   Add grated Parmesan and mix until melted. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix everything together.

10. 10

    Finish with more freshly grated Parmesan on top and serve.