Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Shrimp, Tomato and Basil Orzo

This was a super simple, super delicious meal - I am so glad I made it! Cooking the shrimp and the sauce literally takes the same amount of time it takes the orzo to cook. I was tempted to add some heavy cream in at the end to make the dish a little richer, but I am glad I didn't, because this had a nice light, fresh flavor that I will be making again and again. I only used one can of tomatoes and the only other change I made was to leave out the onion, and that was just because I forgot to buy one! It was still great without it, but I will most likely add it back in the next time this makes my weekly rotation.

Shrimp, Tomato, and Basil Orzo
Makes 3-4 servings

8 ounces orzo pasta
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with garlic and basil (or garlic and onion), undrained
20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or 4 teaspoons dried
kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper, to taste
crushed red pepper, to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
Parmesan cheese, to taste

Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, saute for 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes more.

Add the diced tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper, red pepper, and tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium and cover skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes until mixture is hot.

Add orzo and Parmesan cheese to skillet, mix thoroughly to combine.

16 comments:

Sarah - The Home Cook said...

This looks amazing! I'm copying the recipe now. Yum!

Anonymous said...

You ar emaking me so hungry! This looks so flipping delicious! I wish I ahd some right now. :(

Macaroni and Cheesecake said...

Sounds wonderfully fresh and delicious!!

Ashley @ The Happy Little Home said...

This looks great! I think I'll add it to my menu next week. Thanks!

Donna-FFW said...

This dish looks absolutely delicious. I am so making this one weeknight. I think Ill use stewed tomatoes. Thanks, Colleen.

Maria said...

Great orzo dish, I love everything involved!

Katie said...

I love orzo...for some reason, the shape just makes me laugh! I can be so ridiculously silly sometimes :)

priscilla joy said...

I need to try orzo, this look so good!

Pam said...

This looks like the perfect meal for me. I love this recipe!

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm going to have to try some orzo! It sounds really cool!

Anonymous said...

oh goodness that sounds delicious!

Cara said...

Oh, this sounds really great!
I have a question for you--I just bought quinoa for the first time after reading all the great things about it. Do you ever cook with it? I really like a lot of the things you make and was wondering if you have anything good to make with quinoa. Thanks in advance if you do!

Anonymous said...

I've relied on canned tomatoes quite a bit this past winter, they come in handy! Your orzo dish sounds yummy, light and like a great weeknight meal.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes simple is best. This recipe looks like one of those times. YUM!

Molly said...

I printed out the recipe, and my husband cooked it for us tonight. It was a hit with him, me, and the baby! Great recipe! Thank you so much for sharing it. We thought it was so good that we think it is company-worthy! :-)

Colleen said...

@ Molly: I am so glad you liked this! Do you have a blog I can visit?