Kicking things up today with my Cajun (lemon) Pepper Shrimp with Creamed Corn Orzo! Peppery, spicy, garlicky, and buttery shrimp, pan-seared with bell peppers and served over creamy, corny, and herby orzo pasta. A complete dinner that’s so simple, and mouth-wateringly delicious. Major bonus? This shrimp dinner is made in just about 30 minutes, using simple summertime ingredients. Perfect summer dinner for any night of the week.
1/3cupdry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
1/2cupcanned coconut cream or heavy cream
1/2cupgrated parmesan or Asiago cheese
1-poundlarge shrimppeeled and deveined, tail on or off (about 24 shrimp)
1tablespoonCajun seasoning
1uncooked Andouille sausage linksmeat removed from casings
2bell pepperssliced
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
2clovesgarlicminced or grated
juice from 1 lemon
1/4cupfresh basil roughly chopped
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Instructions
To make the orzo. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter, the corn, 2 tablespoons thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the corn is golden. Stir in the orzo and cook until toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the wine to the skillet and de-glaze the pan. Add the 2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente. Stir in the milk and parmesan, cook another few minutes until warmed through.
Meanwhile, make the shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss together the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and a large pinch of pepper.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and brown all over, about 5 minutes. Add the peppers and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the peppers are soft and tender, remove the sausage and peppers from the skillet to a plate.
Return the skillet to high heat and add the olive oil. Add the shrimp and sear on both sides until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the garlic, and 1 tablespoon thyme, toss to coat and cook until the garlic is fragrant and caramelized, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil, lemon juice, and reserved sausage and peppers.
To serve, spoon the orzo onto plates, top with shrimp and peppers. Enjoy!