Embark on a culinary adventure with our delectable Shrimp Orzo Pesto, where succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and aromatic pesto harmoniously blend to create a symphony of flavors. This versatile dish can be tailored to your dietary preferences, with options for vegetarians, those seeking a creamy texture, and individuals with a penchant for spice. Dive into the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine as we guide you through three distinct yet equally tantalizing recipes. Whether you seek a quick and easy weeknight meal or an impressive dish to grace your dinner table, our Shrimp Orzo Pesto variations will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. Let's embark on this culinary journey and discover the perfect recipe to suit your taste and lifestyle.
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SHRIMP ORZO PESTO
This is one of my finest creations, made much easier by the frozen pre-cooked shrimp!
Provided by M. Kertello
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 25m
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; mix 2 teaspoons pesto and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil into orzo.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet; cook and stir shrimp, red bell pepper, and capers in hot oil until shrimp is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir remaining 1 teaspoon pesto, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into shrimp mixture; cook and stir until combined, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mix orzo into shrimp mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 585.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.9 g, Cholesterol 173.9 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 366 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
ORZO WITH GRILLED SHRIMP, SUMMER VEGETABLES, AND PESTO VINAIGRETTE
Provided by Sara Foster
Categories Pasta Vegetable Picnic Kid-Friendly High Fiber Graduation Backyard BBQ Dinner Lunch Mozzarella Basil Shrimp Squash Zucchini Summer Family Reunion Grill Grill/Barbecue Healthy Potluck Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Small Plates
Yield Servings: Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook orzo in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Transfer to large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon oil.
- Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Whisk 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar in small bowl. Brush zucchini and bell pepper with oil mixture, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk pesto, lime juice, remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar in small bowl for pesto vinaigrette. Place shrimp in medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons pesto vinaigrette; toss to coat.
- Grill zucchini and bell pepper until crisptender, about 3 minutes per side for zucchini and 4 minutes per side for bell pepper. Transfer to work surface. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper; grill until charred and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place shrimp in bowl with orzo. Chop zucchini and bell pepper; add to bowl with orzo. Add remaining vinaigrette, tomatoes, sliced basil, and mozzarella; toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover; chill.
- Garnish with basil sprigs and serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Properly Clean the Shrimp: Before cooking, devein and peel the shrimp to remove any impurities or veins that may affect the taste and texture.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Pesto: If possible, use freshly picked basil, parsley, and mint for the most vibrant flavor in your pesto.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts in a pan or oven enhances their flavor and adds a nutty aroma to the pesto.
- Don't Overcook the Orzo: Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Choose a flavorful extra virgin olive oil for the pesto and when sautéing the shrimp to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, garnish the dish with fresh herbs, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan cheese to add color and enhance the flavors.
Conclusion:
A delightful combination of flavors and textures, this Shrimp Orzo with Pesto is a culinary delight that's perfect for any occasion. The succulent shrimp, tender orzo, and aromatic pesto create a symphony of tastes in every bite. With its vibrant colors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. As you master the art of preparing this recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations, such as using different types of nuts or herbs in the pesto, or adding additional vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique and personalized dish that reflects your culinary preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the deliciousness of Shrimp Orzo with Pesto.
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