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Home » Featured

Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

Stacey – June 8, 2021 – 4 Comments

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This post is sponsored by my friends at Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions expressed are my own – just as always.  Thanks for supporting the brands that support my family and me.
Spoonful of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with cheese pull

Having an arsenal of quick and easy weeknight recipes is super important during the busy school year for us, but as things crank up for summer, I’m finding my need for those fast recipes that come together easily isn’t fading. With summer camp, football practice, and the like, it seems we’re just as busy in the summer as we are during the school year. 

 That’s why I love this super easy Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet. It takes just about 30 minutes to make from start to finish and it all cooks right in the same pan – even the orzo! 

Skillet full of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

It’s also packed with flavor! I mean, who can say no to peppers, onions, and garlic? Right!? And I add in a healthy dose of Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning for a punch of flavor that kicks this dish up a notch!

With a little help from some heavy cream, the starch from the pasta and the chicken broth combine to create a rich sauce and then it gets topped with melty mozzarella cheese! This is one of those ooey-gooey comfort food dishes that really sticks to your ribs. 

Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet on a plateSo what’s the deal with orzo? Well, orzo is a short rice-shaped pasta – yes, pasta – that has tons of uses. Orzo literally means barley in Italian and is called so because of the pasta’s similar shape to barley. But this pasta is rarely called orzo in Italy  – or so I’m told. {Dreams of an Italian vacation where I can find out for myself…} Apparently us Americans call it orzo more frequently. Go figure. 

Regardless, the pasta is super versatile and one that works perfectly in this recipe. 

Spoonful of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with cheese pullIf you’re not a fan of shrimp or have an allergy, simply replace the shrimp with about 1 pound of diced chicken breast or sausage (or both) and cook through just as in the recipe (keeping in mind the chicken will take a bit longer to cook) and then continue with the recipe as written.  

Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet on a plate

I’m convinced your family will love this skillet meal because it’s so delicious. And you’ll love it because it’s so easy and cleanup is a breeze!

Spoonful of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with cheese pull
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Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun, Creole
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning, divided
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups traditional orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through - 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan. Set shrimp aside. 
  • Add the bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent - about 5 minutes. Add more oil if necessary. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the undrained tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning. Bring to a boil then stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender to your liking. Add additional creole seasoning if desired. 
  • Add the shrimp back to the top of the pasta and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Turn off the heat and cover. Keep covered until shrimp has heated through and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately. 
Spoonful of Cheesy Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with cheese pull
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  1. Linda Shisler

    August 14, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    Oh my gosh U made this tonight and it was excellent! My whole family loved it. It also made a very large amount! Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 17, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      So glad to hear y’all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Cindy Ehrhart

    June 8, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    I am gluten and lactose sensitive Can I sub rice for orzo and eliminate the heavy cream and still do this dish justice?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 8, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      I think it might work. You might need to adjust the liquid to rice ratio, though.

      Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter YouTube
About Cookbook Shop Contact
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