Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add the orzo to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour the pesto over the shrimp and orzo and stir to coat.
- Heat through for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is heated.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 cup):
* Calories: 450
* Fat: 15g
* Carbohydrates: 60g
* Protein: 25g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and flavorful pesto sauce
- Tender and juicy shrimp
- Chewy orzo pasta
- Bright and tangy lemon flavor
- Nutty and aromatic pine nuts
User Comments:
- "This dish is absolutely delicious! The pesto is so flavorful and the shrimp are cooked perfectly."
- "I love the combination of the orzo, shrimp, and pesto. It's a great dish for a family dinner."
- "I've made this several times and it's always a hit. It's easy to make and it looks and tastes like it's from a restaurant."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can make the pesto by hand. Simply finely chop the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt and pepper. Then add the olive oil and lemon juice and whisk until well combined.
- To save time, you can use pre-made pesto from the supermarket.
- If you want to add some extra vegetables to the dish, you can sauté some bell peppers or zucchini in the skillet before adding the shrimp.
