RECIPE: Shrimp Orzo

Orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, is versatile and easy to prepare. Here's a delicious spring recipe.

Makes 4 servings
324 calories per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup green peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 cup grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
• Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper evenly over shrimp. 
• Add shrimp to pan; cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. 
• Add tomatoes, and cook 3 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in pasta and shrimp; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. 
• Remove from heat, and stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, basil, and cheese (optional).

Recipe & photo submitted by
AAY! member Alisa H.