Delicious Shrimp Orzo Pesto Recipe

4 stars
3.69 (19)
Delicious Shrimp Orzo Pesto Recipe
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 06, 2023

Indulge in the rich flavors of shrimp, orzo, and homemade pesto with this delicious recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked shrimp with tender orzo pasta and a flavorful pesto sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that will impress your family and guests. With a preparing time of just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Try this Shrimp Orzo Pesto recipe today and savor the taste of a homemade Italian-inspired dish!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Slowly add the olive oil while the food processor is running until a smooth pesto sauce is formed.
  4. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  6. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
  7. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  8. In the same skillet, add the cooked orzo pasta and pesto sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
  9. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the pesto sauce.
  10. Serve the Shrimp Orzo Pesto hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Interesting Facts

  • The word 'pesto' comes from the Italian word 'pestare' which means 'to pound or crush'. This refers to the traditional method of making pesto by grinding the ingredients with a mortar and pestle.
  • Shrimp is a good source of lean protein and is low in calories. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
  • Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like rice. It is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.