This Keto Tuscan Shrimp Orzo recipe is a straightforward low-carb dish with strong Italian flavors. We combine the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs with garlic and olive oil to sauté succulent shrimp, which are then covered in a rich Parmesan sauce. Using keto-friendly orzo made from shirataki or lupin beans in place of regular pasta provides the meal’s familiar base without the additional carbohydrates. Each bite is rich but well-balanced because of the combination of the velvety cream sauce, zesty tomatoes, and delicate shrimp. Serve this Keto Tuscan Shrimp Orzo with roasted veggies or a crisp salad for a full dinner that feels wholesome and fulfilling to keep you on track with your low-carb objectives.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Caloric count: 310 g
- Prep duration: Ten minutes
- Serving size: 1 bowl
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Keto & Gluten-free
- Serving: 4
EQUIPMENT:
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb large shrimp
- Two tablespoon olive oil
- Three garlic pieces
- One cup keto orzo
- Half cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Two cups spinach
- One cup heavy cream
- Half cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp. red flakes
- Black pepper
- One tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Two tbsp. fresh basil
INGREDIENT NOTES:
SHRIMP:
- The main ingredient in this recipe is shrimp, which provide lean protein and a delicate, sweet flavor. They are perfect for weeknight meals because they cook quickly. Choose for big shrimp for a meaty taste that complements the creamy sauce.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil creates a delicious base to toss the garlic & shrimp. It also adds the healthy fats that promote a ketogenic lifestyle. This recipe tastes better with extra virgin olive oil.
ORZO:
- Swap the traditional pasta for keto-friendly orzo prepared from lupin or shirataki beans. It has fewer carbohydrates and has a texture similar to orzo. The recipe is both filling and suitable for keto because of this.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES:
- Sun-dried tomatoes add depth of flavor and sharpness to offset the cream. The orzo and shrimp contrast with their chewy texture. Go for tomatoes that are filled with oil for maximum richness.
SPINACH:
- Freshness, color, and vital elements like iron and vitamin A are all added by spinach. In the hot sauce, it immediately wilts and becomes a smooth part of the dish. Baby spinach works best for softness.
HEAVY CREAM:
- Heavy cream makes the rich, silky sauce that characterizes Tuscan-style cuisine. It improves the Parmesan and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Utilize full-fat cream for the most luxurious outcome.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
- The nutty, savory taste of Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce’s smoothness. It also increases calcium and protein.
RED PEPPER FLAKES:
- Red pepper flakes brighten the creamy sauce with a hint of spice. They counterbalance the richness without dominating the other flavors.
ITALIAN SEASONING:
- Italian seasoning has the classic Mediterranean herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano to provide the Italian flavor to bring the dish together. It improves the flavor character of Tuscany. Either a store-bought or homemade combination works great.
BASIL:
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant finish just before serving. Its crisp taste enhances the cream sauce’s depth. Gently cut them to preserve the oils in the leaves.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- We can warm-p the oil in big pan on moderate settings.
- Add shrimp and sprinkle black pepper and salt and fry for two to three minutes from every surface.
- When the shrimp gets opaque put them in plate.
- We toss the garlic in same pan for one minute so it gets aromatic.
- Then include other components; cheese, cream, and dry spices.
- Stir all these ingredients and simmer the dish for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spinach in the dish so it gets wilt.
- Then we include the cook orzo & mix to cover the orzo.
- Add shrimp in the sauce and mix with the components.
- Sprinkle basil leaves on top.
- Your Keto Tuscan Shrimp Orzo is ready to serve!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SIDE DISH:
- Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles
- Roasted Asparagus Spears
- Cauliflower Mash
SALADS:
- Arugula Parmesan Salad
- Spinach Avocado Salad
- Cucumber Feta Salad
BREADS:
- Keto Garlic Breadsticks
- Almond Flour Focaccia
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bread
DRINKS:
- Sparkling Lemon Water
- Unsweetened Iced Green Tea
- Keto Basil Lemonade
TIPS:
- Adjust the thickness of cream and add the splash of broth.
- Include the grilled chicken with shrimp to increase the protein content.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the remaining dish in the close box and store the dish for three days.
FREEZER:
- Freeze this dish for one month. It is best to have the fresh dish for best taste.
FAQs:
Could I prepare this dish with frozen shrimp?
- Make this dish with frozen shrimp; just defrost the shrimp and remove extra water.
Is this shrimp orzo spicy?
- This shrimp orzo dish is moderately spicy; add the spice content as you can tolerate.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 310 kcal
Total Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Sodium: 640mg
Potassium: 520mg
Net carbs: 6g
Serving size: 1 bowl