Creamy Cajun Shrimp Orzo (Recipe for Printing)

Orzo and shrimp in creamy Cajun-spiced sauce with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan for easy weeknight comfort.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Seasonings

02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Black pepper, to taste
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Pan Ingredients

06 - 1 tablespoon oil with high smoke point
07 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 and 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 2 tablespoons butter

→ Pasta and Liquids

10 - 1 cup dry orzo pasta
11 - 3 cups chicken broth or seasoned water
12 - 1/4 cup heavy cream

→ Finishing Touches

13 - Parmesan cheese, to taste
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
02 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Sear shrimp in a single layer for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until opaque. Remove and reserve.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
04 - Stir in dry orzo, coating in the aromatic mixture. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes or until orzo is al dente and liquid is nearly absorbed.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and reserved shrimp. Mix until heated through and creamy. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Cleanup is simple as this dish uses only one pan.
02 - Can be adapted using alternative types of pasta or protein as preferred.