Shrimp Scampi with Orzo

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds large shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the shrimp by cleaning and deveining. Set aside.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the crushed garlic. Saute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine and add the tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning.
6. Add the cooked orzo to the shrimp mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh lemon juice and parsley.
8. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 28g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish combines the flavors of seafood and Italian cuisine, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that is both creamy and light.
• The orzo pasta adds a unique texture to the dish, providing a contrast between the soft pasta and the succulent shrimp.
• The lemon zest and juice add a citrusy note that enhances the flavor of the shrimp and tomato paste.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
2. "I love the way the orzo is cooked and combined with the shrimp scampi. It's a unique dish that I will definitely make again."
3. "The lemon zest added a nice touch to the dish. It was refreshing and complimented the other flavors perfectly."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use large shrimp that are fresh and of good quality to ensure the best flavor in the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
• If you prefer a more creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.