Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Basil Oil combines tender orzo in a parmesan cream sauce with quickly cooked shrimp and an herby basil oil drizzle.
This delightful recipe marries the succulence of shrimp, the richness of a creamy sauce, and the aromatic charm of basil oil, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Basil oil is the highlight of this dish and crafting this verdant elixir is a breeze – a fusion of fresh basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil, blended to perfection. The result? A fragrant, herbaceous oil that sets the stage for the luxurious experience that follows.
Plump, succulent shrimp sautéed to a perfect pink hue in garlicky butter are the main attraction. These oceanic morsels bring a symphony of flavors to the forefront. The garlic’s aromatic dance with the shrimp builds the foundation for the layers of taste that are about to unfold.
Cooked orzo steps into the spotlight, joining the shrimp with a creamy sauce in a harmonious ballet. Parmesan cheese is folded in, melting seamlessly into the sauce and lending its salty depth to the composition.
Finish it off with a drizzle of basil oil lending bright, fresh notes of basil, elevating the entire experience.
Ingredients in Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Basil Oil
- Shrimp – Local if possible or Argentine Red Shrimp 16/20 are my go-to shrimp.
- Orzo – Small pasta that is shaped like long grain rice.
- Basil – Fresh basil.
- Cream – Heavy Cream or whipping cream.
- Parmesan – Grated parmesan cheese.
- Lemon – One lemon juiced.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic clove.
- Pantry Items – Olive oil, salt, pepper, flour, butter, chipotle powder, agave nectar, apple cider vinegar.
Related Recipes
Try these other seafood dishes like Seafood and Sweet Corn Pasta light and citrusy with sea scallops, shrimp, sweet corn and sugar snap peas over angel hair pasta. Dungeness Crab Capellini is simple and light with plenty of crab, hints of lemon, chives and bacon with a splash of cream. Similar to creamy orzo, Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto is easy to make with Arborio rice, sautéed shallot, white wine and simmered broth.
Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Basil Oil
Ingredients
Basil Oil
- 1/2 oz. fresh basil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. chipotle powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp. agave nectar
- 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
Creamy Orzo
- 2 cups orzo cooked according to package directions
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
Shrimp
- 20 large 16/20 shrimp peeled, deveined
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 tbsp butter
Instructions
Basil Oil
- Blend basil, olive oil, chipotle powder, salt, lemon juice, agave nectar and apple cider vinegar together until smooth. Set aside until ready to serve.
Creamy Orzo
- Cook orzo al dente according to package directions. Drain.
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add flour and stir to combine. Continue stirring while you cook the flour 1-2 minutes. Add cream and milk, stirring to combine until thickened. Stir in grated parmesan, then cooked orzo. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat while you quickly cook shrimp.If orzo thickened too much, just add a little milk and stir over warm heat.
Shrimp
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Turn shrimp, add garlic and continue to cook another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Shrimp should be opaque. Remove from pan and place over creamy orzo. Drizzle with basil oil for serving.
Tried It?
We’d love to hear what you thought. Drop a comment and let us know your thoughts. Maybe you loved it, maybe you added more salt. Tell us in the comments.
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