Mediterranean Orzo with Shrimp and Burst Tomatoes
Dive into this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender orzo pasta with succulent shrimp and caramelized grape tomatoes. Infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of spice, this one-pot wonder is elevated with fresh basil and a touch of white wine, creating a dish that is both luxurious and comforting. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe highlights simple ingredients that yield incredible flavors, embodying the essence of Italian cuisine.
4
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo pasta
1 lb (dry, uncooked)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Hot red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Raw shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
Grape tomatoes
1 pint (whole)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for richness)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the orzo is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and hot red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
3
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat and set the shrimp aside on a plate.
4
Deglaze the pan by adding the dry white wine, scraping any bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes, or until reduced by half.
5
Add the whole grape tomatoes to the pan, followed by the tablespoon of butter. Sauté until the tomatoes start to burst and their skin loosens, about 2-3 minutes. Season the mixture with the chopped basil, salt, and black pepper.
6
Toss the drained orzo into the pan with the tomato mixture and cooked shrimp. Gently combine all the ingredients for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
50g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo with Shrimp and Burst Tomatoes?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender orzo pasta with succulent shrimp and caramelized grape tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 25g of protein in each serving of this dish.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry, uncooked orzo pasta.
How much shrimp do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this meal?
The recipe specifically uses 1 pint of whole grape tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the dry white wine?
The 1/4 cup of dry white wine is used to deglaze the pan after cooking the shrimp.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes.
What oil should be used for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How long should the shrimp be cooked?
Sauté the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
When do I add the fresh basil?
The chopped fresh basil is added along with salt and pepper once the tomatoes have burst.
How do I prepare the orzo?
Cook the orzo in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain it and set it aside.
What does it mean to 'burst' the tomatoes?
The tomatoes are sautéed with butter until their skins loosen and they start to pop or burst.
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter for richness, but you could use a butter substitute if necessary.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this recipe considered a 'one-pot' meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal, although you use a pot for pasta and a saucepan for the rest.
How do I finish the dish?
Toss the drained orzo and cooked shrimp into the tomato mixture and combine for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
What should the texture of the orzo be?
The orzo should be cooked until it is 'al dente,' meaning firm to the bite.
How long should the wine simmer?
Allow the wine to simmer for about 3 minutes or until it has reduced by half.
What cuisine style does this recipe represent?
This recipe represents Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.
Should the grape tomatoes be cut before cooking?
No, the tomatoes should be added whole so they can burst during the sauté process.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
Should the shrimp be cooked with the tail on or off?
The recipe specifies peeled and deveined shrimp; tails can be left on or removed based on preference.
How should this dish be served?
Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve the dish warm.