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hyper-realistic photo of creamy Cajun shrimp orzo in a shallow white ceramic bowl, styled to match a Cajun skillet dinner, tender pink shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed, creamy orzo coated in a glossy warm orange Cajun parmesan cream sauce, visible diced red and yellow bell peppers, softened onion, garlic, chopped parsley, and a lemon wedge on the rim, rich Cajun color, slightly spicy seasoned look, bright white kitchen background, white marble countertop, soft natural window light, crisp focus, slightly angled close-up composition, editorial food photography, realistic textures, appetizing but not messy, no text, no logos, no watermark

Cajun Shrimp Orzo

This creamy Cajun shrimp orzo is made with tender shrimp, bell peppers, onion, garlic, parmesan, and lemon. The orzo cooks right in the skillet with broth, then gets finished with cream and parmesan for a rich, glossy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Orzo
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss the shrimp with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
  4. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  5. Transfer the shrimp to a plate once pink and opaque.
  6. Add the remaining butter, onion, and bell peppers to the skillet.
  7. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often.
  8. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  9. Stir in the orzo, remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  10. Toast the orzo for 1 minute while stirring.
  11. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  12. Cover and cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring often.
  13. Lower the heat, then stir in the cream and parmesan.
  14. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  15. Return the shrimp to the skillet.
  16. Cook for 1 minute, just until warmed through.
  17. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve warm.

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