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Cajun Shrimp Orzo

Cajun Shrimp Orzo
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Cajun Shrimp Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining zesty Cajun spices with tender orzo pasta and succulent shrimp. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances bold, spicy seasoning with creamy, satisfying components, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. This one-pot recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and delivers a spicy, savory, and fresh flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Dice bell peppers and onion, mince garlic, and measure out the orzo and Cajun seasoning to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Seasoning: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in some Cajun seasoning and stir to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Add additional butter or olive oil if necessary, then stir in the orzo to coat it with the pan juices. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the orzo and vegetables. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkling chopped parsley or green onions on top to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp when possible for optimal texture and flavor; frozen shrimp works if properly thawed.
  • Toast Cajun seasoning with vegetables to deepen flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by cooking just until pink and opaque.
  • Homemade chicken broth adds extra richness if available.
  • Adjust broth amount if orzo starts to stick during cooking.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute shrimp with mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas.
  • For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp orzo, spicy shrimp pasta, one-pot shrimp recipe, quick Cajun dinner, easy orzo recipe

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cajun-shrimp-orzo/