Shrimp Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes

By Jaymers

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 C uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/4 tsp salt, divided
• 1 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1/2 tsp ground red cayenne pepper
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 C grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
• 1/3 C chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Step 1

*If there is time, sprinkle shrimp with salt, pepper and red cayenne pepper and let sit in the fridge to marinade.

1. Heat water to a boil to cook the pasta.

2. While water heats, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp to the pan and cook until pink (about 3 minutes per side).

3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper; stirring frequently. The longer the onions cook, the better.

4. Cook the orzo about 8 minutes once the water has started boiling.

5. With about 3 minutes remaining on the orzo add tomatoes to the onion mixture and stir occasionally.

6. Drain the orzo and add return to the pot. Add the cooked shrimp and onion mixture and stir to thoroughly combine. Cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

7. Remove from heat, add cheese and basil and stir gently. More red pepper flakes can be added at this point as well, to taste.