Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings. Ingredient quantities are listed for the original recipe; cooking times remain the same if scaled.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 pound large frozen peeled shrimp, partially thawed
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C).
2. In a large, deep ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt, and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it with the oil and onions, and toast lightly for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute. Then stir in the diced tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup. Fill the tomato can with water and add it to the skillet. Season with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 5-7 minutes until the pasta begins to soften. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and remove from heat.
7. Sprinkle 2/3 cup of Parmesan cheese over the orzo and arrange the shrimp in a single layer on top. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, additional black pepper to taste, and crushed red pepper. Dot with butter and drizzle with lemon juice. Cover the skillet with foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
9. Remove from the oven and stir until creamy. Mix in the remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 442
• Total Fat: 26g (33% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 14g (68% DV)
• Cholesterol: 217mg (72% DV)
• Sodium: 1627mg (71% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 24g (9% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% DV)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 26g (53% DV)
• Vitamin C: 21mg (24% DV)
• Calcium: 292mg (22% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (8% DV)
• Potassium: 463mg (10% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary based on ingredient sources.

History and Origins of Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo

The dish known today as Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo is a modern American creation that blends elements of classic seafood preparations with creamy pasta traditions. While orzo has its roots in Italian cuisine, where it is often used in soups and risottos, combining it with shrimp and a generous amount of butter is an innovation largely popularized in home kitchens across the United States in the early 2000s. The recipe embodies the indulgent comfort food trend, emphasizing rich, creamy textures and bold flavors that appeal to a wide audience.

Regional Characteristics

This recipe is most commonly associated with the Southern and coastal regions of the United States, where seafood is abundant and butter-heavy cooking is traditional. In the South, shrimp is often paired with rich sauces, making this dish a natural extension of regional culinary preferences. Additionally, the use of orzo provides a nod to Italian-American influences, particularly in urban centers like New Orleans and Charleston, where fusion dishes are celebrated.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

While this dish may resemble shrimp scampi or shrimp Alfredo, it is distinguished by its use of a whole stick of butter and the incorporation of orzo pasta rather than linguine or fettuccine. Unlike shrimp scampi, which relies on garlic, lemon, and white wine for a lighter sauce, Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo is richer and creamier, almost casserole-like. Its combination of mushroom soup, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese adds layers of savory depth absent in simpler shrimp and pasta dishes.

Typical Serving Occasions

Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo is often served as a family-style dinner, especially during weekend gatherings or casual entertaining. It can also appear on restaurant menus in bistro-style seafood establishments, typically presented in an ovenproof skillet or casserole dish. Due to its richness, the dish pairs well with light, crisp sides such as mixed green salads or steamed vegetables, making it suitable for both special occasions and comforting weeknight meals.

Interesting Facts

• The dish earned its playful name because it uses an entire stick of butter, a nod to the indulgent nature of American comfort cuisine.
• Orzo, meaning barley in Italian, is actually a pasta shaped like grains of rice, making it ideal for absorbing creamy sauces.
• Variations of the recipe sometimes include fire-roasted tomatoes or fresh mushrooms, reflecting regional ingredient availability and personal preference.
• Despite its richness, the combination of shrimp and lemon juice balances the dish with bright, fresh flavors, preventing it from feeling overly heavy.
• The recipe has become popular on social media due to its visually appealing presentation and the one-pot dinner convenience, which minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.

FAQ about Stick of Butter Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

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