Calabrian Shrimp
This Calabrian Shrimp with Orzo is a restaurant-quality Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender shrimp in a spicy, garlicky Calabrian chili sauce tossed with perfectly cooked orzo. It’s bold, creamy, and ready in just 25 minutes, making it one of the most flavorful yet healthy dinner recipes you can make at home.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Cost: 3
Equipment
- Large skillet
- pot for pasta
- colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta (Rice Select preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to control heat. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter option. Large shrimp cook quickly—avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.