The harmony of tender shrimp, creamy orzo, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach makes this dish a Tuscan dream. Prepared in just one pot, it’s rich with Mediterranean flavor and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something beautiful and soul-satisfying.
From its light creaminess to the herb-kissed finish, every bite of this One-Pot Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo delivers warmth, elegance, and nourishment. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, it’s an effortless way to bring a touch of Italy to your dinner table.
Full Recipe:
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2 shallots, thinly sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 teaspoons Cantanzaro herbs (or Italian seasoning + lemon zest)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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4 cups vegetable broth, divided
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3.5 oz heavy whipping cream
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10 oz plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 cups fresh spinach
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
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Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the shallots for 3-5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 45 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in orzo and toast lightly for about 1 minute. Add tomato paste, Cantanzaro herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth and the heavy cream.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining 1 cup broth with the Greek yogurt, then add it to the pot. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
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Simmer uncovered over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
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Add shrimp and spinach; cook for about 4 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and spinach is wilted.
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Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot garnished with fresh basil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 343 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Mediterranean-Inspired Delight
One-Pot Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo is a dish that beautifully bridges rustic Italian flavors with the ease of modern cooking. It’s hearty yet elegant, offering a sophisticated twist on comfort food. The dish combines juicy, tender shrimp with orzo pasta cooked in a creamy broth, infused with aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a touch of Greek yogurt for a light tang and smooth finish.
This recipe embodies the essence of Tuscan cuisine — simple, fresh ingredients layered with bold, balanced flavors. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul, making it a perfect go-to for everything from family dinners to romantic date nights.
Why One-Pot Meals are Winning the Internet
There’s a reason one-pot meals have become a global sensation — convenience. In our busy lives, we crave meals that don’t just taste good but are easy to prepare and clean up. This Tuscan shrimp and orzo dish offers exactly that. Everything is cooked in a single Dutch oven or deep skillet: from sautéing the aromatics to simmering the orzo and finishing off with the seafood and greens.
The result is minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and perfectly cooked components. The orzo absorbs all the rich juices and creamy textures, turning this pasta into more than just a base — it becomes a flavor sponge.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, Garlicky, and Herbaceous
One of the most remarkable aspects of this dish is its multidimensional flavor profile. It’s not just creamy; it’s tangy, aromatic, and comforting. The sautéed shallots and garlic offer a sweet and savory foundation. The Cantanzaro herb blend adds complexity with Mediterranean favorites like marjoram, rosemary, oregano, and thyme.
The tomato paste brings depth and umami, while the sun-dried tomatoes lend a burst of concentrated sweetness and acidity. Heavy cream and Greek yogurt work together to create a luxurious sauce that feels indulgent without being overly rich. The fresh spinach finishes the dish with vibrant color and subtle bitterness, balancing the flavors.
Orzo: The Unsung Hero
Though it looks like rice, orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. In this dish, orzo plays a crucial role by soaking up the broth and cream, creating a risotto-like consistency. Its tender bite makes every mouthful creamy yet satisfying.
Orzo’s adaptability is what makes it such a good match for shrimp and creamy sauces. It doesn’t overpower the shrimp but supports its briny sweetness. Unlike longer pastas that can be harder to manage in one-pot meals, orzo is compact, cooks evenly, and mingles well with all ingredients.
Shrimp: Lean, Flavorful, and Fast-Cooking
Shrimp is not just a lean source of protein, but it also adds a seafood essence that elevates this dish. It cooks in just minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners. In this recipe, the shrimp is added toward the end of cooking to ensure it stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
When combined with cream, garlic, and herbs, shrimp takes on a luxurious feel. Its natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory and slightly tangy sauce, while the spinach adds a pop of green freshness and nutritional value.
The Role of Greek Yogurt and Heavy Cream
This Tuscan-style dish uses both heavy whipping cream and Greek yogurt — a unique combination that provides depth and a creamy texture without being overly heavy. The heavy cream offers that classic rich base you’d expect from a comfort dish, while Greek yogurt adds a gentle tang and a subtle lightness.
Greek yogurt also enhances the dish’s protein content and acts as a stabilizer for the sauce, helping it to cling perfectly to the orzo. Together, they create a sauce that feels indulgent but is far more balanced than a standard cream-based pasta.
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Color and Contrast
Fresh spinach wilts into the dish, adding a delicate texture and earthy contrast to the creamy orzo. Its mild bitterness offsets the richness of the cream and complements the shrimp well. Because it’s added at the end, the spinach retains a bright green hue and a fresh flavor, making the dish visually appealing.
Sun-dried tomatoes are a standout ingredient here. Their chewy texture and intense tomato flavor are like little flavor bombs scattered throughout the dish. They break up the creaminess and give a burst of concentrated sweetness and acidity that keeps the palate excited.
The Magic of Herbs and Seasoning
Cantanzaro herbs may not be a pantry staple for everyone, but they’re worth the effort. This herb blend typically includes garlic, lemon peel, marjoram, European basil, Mediterranean thyme, rosemary, and Greek oregano. If you can’t find Cantanzaro herbs, a quality Italian seasoning mix with a sprinkle of lemon zest will work in a pinch.
The seasoning here is what takes the dish from good to unforgettable. The layers of herbs balance each bite, and seasoning with salt and pepper at different stages ensures that every component is well flavored.
Tips for Success and Customization
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be tweaked to suit your taste or pantry. Don’t have Greek yogurt? Try sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Want to use chicken instead of shrimp? Dice it up and sauté before adding the orzo.
Here are a few additional customization ideas:
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Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
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Add cheese: Finish with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra umami.
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Make it heartier: Stir in cannellini beans or mushrooms for added protein and texture.
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Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt for a non-dairy version.
Nutritional Value and Dietary Considerations
At around 343 calories per serving, this dish strikes a balance between indulgent and nutritious. You get lean protein from the shrimp, fiber from the orzo and spinach, and healthy fats from the cream and yogurt.
It’s also a good source of potassium, calcium, and iron — thanks to the shrimp, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Those watching their sodium intake may want to opt for low-sodium broth and watch the salt levels, as the ingredients already carry a fair amount of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of chilled white wine. For an Italian-themed dinner party, consider serving it alongside antipasti or roasted vegetables.
Its creamy texture and warm flavors make it perfect for fall and winter, but the bright herbs and lemony undertones keep it light enough for spring and summer meals too.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo may continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to revive the creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt and cream may separate and affect the texture upon thawing.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Home Cook
One-Pot Tuscan Shrimp and Orzo is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of balanced flavors, convenient cooking, and comforting textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.
It highlights the beauty of using high-quality, fresh ingredients in a way that’s approachable and rewarding. The shrimp brings a hint of the sea, the orzo creates a satisfying base, and the creamy, herby sauce ties everything together in one soul-warming bowl.
With its Mediterranean flair and all-in-one convenience, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a modern classic in the making.