Shrimp Orzo Pesto

Orzo is tossed with pesto, shrimp, and plenty of seasoning creating a quick Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 585 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon capers
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon pesto, divided
• 2 cups frozen cooked shrimp, thawed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl; mix 2 teaspoons pesto and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil into orzo.

Step 2

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet; cook and stir shrimp, red bell pepper, and capers in hot oil until shrimp is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir remaining 1 teaspoon pesto, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into shrimp mixture; cook and stir until combined, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3

Mix orzo into shrimp mixture; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.