Get ready to fall in love with this restaurant-quality dish! This Calabrian Shrimp recipe brings the bold, zesty flavors of Italian coastal cuisine right to your dinner table. Succulent shrimp bathed in a spicy, garlicky Calabrian chili sauce paired with tender orzo pasta creates one of the most delicious healthy dinner recipes you’ll ever make.
This is one of those healthy dinner ideas that tastes so gourmet, your family will think you ordered from an expensive restaurant. Inspired by the popular Blue Apron Calabrian shrimp and orzo meal kit, this homemade version is just as delicious while being one of the best healthy dinner recipes for weight losing. It’s packed with lean protein, bold flavors, and comes together in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Calabrian Shrimp Recipe
The texture is absolutely perfect—tender, juicy shrimp combined with perfectly cooked orzo creates a satisfying, comforting bite. Unlike some healthy dinner meals that feel heavy, this dish is light yet incredibly filling, making it ideal for healthy dinner recipes for family.
The taste is phenomenal! The spicy kick from Calabrian chili paste balanced with creamy, garlicky goodness creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. This is one of those healthy dinner aesthetics dishes that looks vibrant and sophisticated on the plate with its beautiful pink shrimp and golden orzo. It’s proof that healthy dinner recipes can be exciting, elegant, and absolutely crave-worthy!
Calabrian Shrimp Ingredients
Fresh, quality ingredients create this stunning dish:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Rice Select Orzo (this brand cooks perfectly every time!)
- Calabrian chili paste (the star ingredient!)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- Heavy cream or Greek yogurt for lighter option
- White wine or chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Using quality Rice Select Orzo makes all the difference in achieving that perfect tender texture!
How to Make Calabrian Shrimp
Follow these simple steps for perfect healthy dinner ideas:
- Cook the orzo according to package directions on your Rice Select Orzo. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the same pan, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Calabrian chili paste (start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste), cherry tomatoes, and white wine or broth.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add cream or Greek yogurt, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Fold in the cooked orzo and fresh greens, tossing until the spinach wilts.
- Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and zest, then toss everything together.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired, then serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Calabrian Shrimp
These expert tips ensure perfect healthy dinner recipes for family every time:
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them carefully for the best healthy dinner meals.
Use quality orzo. Rice Select Orzo cooks evenly and maintains perfect texture, making your healthy dinner recipes turn out perfectly every time.
Adjust the heat level. Calabrian chili paste is spicy! Start with less and add more to taste. You can always add heat, but you can’t take it away.
Save pasta water. That starchy water is perfect for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick in your healthy dinner ideas.
Use large shrimp. They’re easier to cook properly and make a more impressive presentation for healthy dinner aesthetics.
Fresh lemon is essential. It brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness beautifully in these healthy dinner recipes.
Calabrian Shrimp Variations
Make this recipe your own with these delicious twists:
Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk for creamy, healthy dinner recipes for weight losing that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Extra Veggie-Packed: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for more vegetables in your healthy dinner meals.
Protein Swap: Try chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp for different healthy dinner ideas that use the same amazing Calabrian sauce.
Grain-Free Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of orzo for low-carb healthy dinner recipes for weight losing.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream and skip the Parmesan for plant-based healthy dinner recipes for family.
Extra Garlicky: Double the garlic and add roasted garlic cloves for intense flavor in your healthy dinner aesthetics dishes.
What to Serve with Calabrian Shrimp
Complete your healthy dinner recipes with these perfect pairings:
Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that incredible spicy sauce in your healthy dinner ideas.
Caesar salad with crisp romaine provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Roasted asparagus or green beans add color and nutrition to your healthy dinner meals.
Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil creates an Italian feast for healthy dinner recipes for family.
Garlic roasted broccoli adds healthy greens that complement the bold flavors perfectly.
Lemon sorbet makes a refreshing, light dessert after this flavorful meal for complete healthy dinner aesthetics.
Calabrian Shrimp FAQs
Where can I find Calabrian chili paste? Most grocery stores carry it in the Italian section, or you can order it online. If you can’t find it, substitute with red pepper flakes and a touch of tomato paste, though the authentic flavor is worth seeking out for these healthy dinner recipes!
Can I make this ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but it’s best assembled fresh. Cook the Rice Select Orzo and prep vegetables in advance, then quickly sauté everything together for fresh healthy dinner ideas in minutes!
Is this really healthy if it has cream? Yes! A small amount of cream goes a long way, and you’re getting lean protein from shrimp plus nutrients from vegetables. For even lighter healthy dinner recipes for weight losing, use Greek yogurt instead. The portion of cream per serving is quite reasonable, making this one of the more indulgent yet still sensible healthy dinner meals!
Final Thoughts on Calabrian Shrimp
This Calabrian Shrimp recipe proves that healthy dinner recipes can be absolutely restaurant-worthy! With its bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and quick preparation time, it’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that makes you excited to cook at home.
Whether you’re looking to recreate the Blue Apron Calabrian shrimp and orzo experience at home, need impressive healthy dinner recipes for family gatherings, or want delicious healthy dinner recipes for weight losing that don’t feel like diet food, this dish delivers on every level. The stunning healthy dinner aesthetics make it perfect for date nights or special occasions!
So grab that Rice Select Orzo and get ready for a dinner that’s spicy, sophisticated, and absolutely spectacular! Happy cooking from the CookJoy Recipes family!
Calabrian Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Calabrian chili paste, cherry tomatoes, and white wine or broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Add cream or Greek yogurt and stir until smooth.
- Fold in cooked orzo and spinach. Stir until greens wilt.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice and zest, and toss to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.