Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked orzo, draped in vibrant green pesto, and studded with succulent, golden-seared shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This Pesto Shrimp with Orzo isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, crafted right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional craving a gourmet meal or a home cook looking to impress, this dish promises to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the pasta's flavor.
- Add orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color.
- Drain cooked orzo in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, seared shrimp, pesto, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to help distribute the pesto.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Dry Your Shrimp: Always pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve that beautiful golden sear. Moisture prevents proper caramelization.
- Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—2-3 minutes per side is all you need. They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a bit of pasta water. Its starchy goodness helps bind the pesto and creates a silkier sauce.
- Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works too.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add pine nuts, swap cherry tomatoes for roasted vegetables, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation to maintain the perfect texture of shrimp and pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 336kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
