Toasted Orzo Skillet With Shrimp

Prep 5 min

|

Cook 25 min

|

Ready in 30 min

Toasting the orzo develops an unexpected nutty flavor and golden color. Searing the shrimp is such an easy and fast way to get great flavor, color and texture. These two techniques step up this simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. (250 g) large frozen, thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined (31-40 per pound)
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) Lemon Pepper Rub
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil
  • 1   small onion
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
  • 2   garlic cloves
  • ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
  • 1 cup (250 mL) orzo pasta
  • 1¾ cups (425 mL) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (125 mL) frozen peas
  • 1   lemon
  • 1 oz. (30 g) pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup/125 mL), divided
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

Directions

  1. Season the shrimp with the rub. Heat the oil in the 10" (25-cm) Stainless Steel Nonstick Skillet over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes. Add the shrimp and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they’re lightly browned and pink, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.

  2. Coarsely chop the onion.

  3. Add the butter to the skillet and cook until it’s melted. Add the onion, garlic, and salt and sauté until the onion is translucent, 1–2 minutes.

  4. Add the orzo to the skillet. Stir while the orzo is toasting, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. Once the orzo has browned, add the broth and peas. Simmer, uncovered, until the liquid is absorbed, 6–8 minutes. You can add more broth as needed if the orzo isn’t tender.

  6. Juice the lemon into the skillet. Add the shrimp and half of the cheese; stir. Remove the skillet from the heat.

  7. To serve, top with the parsley and remaining cheese.

Yield:

  • 4  servings

Nutrients per serving:

U.S. Nutrients per serving (about 1 cup/250 mL): Calories 360, Total Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Sodium 790 mg, Carbohydrate 50 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugars 5 g, Protein 19 g

Cook's Tips:

Toasting the orzo develops an unexpected nutty flavor and golden color. Searing the shrimp is such an easy and fast way to get great flavor, color and texture. These two techniques step up this simple weeknight meal.

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