![['Close-up of creamy tomato orzo with shrimp, featuring vibrant colors and a rich sauce.', 'A side view of a bowl filled with creamy tomato orzo topped with shrimp, garnished with herbs.', 'Delicious creamy tomato orzo mixed with juicy shrimp, displayed in a rustic bowl.', 'Appetizing close-up of creamy tomato orzo with shrimp, showcasing a rich, velvety texture.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/creamy-tomato-orzo-with-shrimp_1_U1-300x300.webp)
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Shrimp
A flavorful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and rich tomato orzo, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 0.5 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Pasta
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
Sauce and Broth
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock (or more if needed)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 20 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add tomato paste, sugar, and chicken stock; bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo and cook 20-22 minutes, stirring frequently. Add more stock if needed; should be loose and creamy.
- Once tender, stir in heavy cream and parmesan; season with salt and pepper, cook 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Cook seasoned shrimp 40 seconds per side.
- Serve shrimp over creamy tomato orzo and enjoy warm.
Notes
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately for best flavor.