Tuscan Garlic Shrimp with Orzo – 20-Minute Italian Skillet

Discover a fast, flavor-packed weeknight dinner: Garlic Orzo Tuscan Shrimp. Tender shrimp and orzo are folded into a silky Parmesan and garlic sauce with spinach and roasted red peppers for a comforting Italian-inspired meal. This one-pan recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings, yet elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

• ½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic (or 2 cloves fresh, minced)
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• ½ small yellow onion, diced
• 3 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained (or substitute sun-dried or halved grape tomatoes)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups baby spinach leaves
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Substitutions & dietary notes:

• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Use gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Swap shrimp for cooked chicken, scallops, tofu, or vegan shrimp for a different protein.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions (about 8–9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Shrimp

While the orzo cooks, heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and shrimp. Sauté shrimp 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are softened. Stir in the roasted red peppers and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce begins to thicken, add the baby spinach and shredded Parmesan, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Add the cooked shrimp and drained orzo to the skillet, tossing to combine and warm everything through. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while warm.

• Fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and mushrooms brighten the flavors.
• Watch the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; remove them as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
• Prep ahead: Dice vegetables and measure ingredients ahead of time to make assembly faster.