Creamy Red Pepper Orzo with Spicy Shrimp

Back when I was growing up …

I often watched Chef Michael Smith on the food network. I loved that he whipped together incredible dishes without using a recipe. He taught about flavour combining and empowering the viewer to do the same. Maybe it wasn’t actually that deep but he spoke to my soul and as a cook that how I am in the kitchen. As a nutritionist my cooking journey is different. What I love about these two experiences is it gives me the opportunity to offer the best of both worlds and do the same.

It’s actually a core principle in my one-on-one practice, educate and empower. I will often come across recipes on all my social platforms but very, VERY rarely follow them. I watch their videos, read the captions and become engraved by the photo of what the creator whipped up and then head off into the kitchen inspired by that dish but using the things I already have in my kitchen - otherwise I’d be going to the store every flippin’ day.

With knowledge comes ease. The more you know and experiment in your kitchen the more confident you are in your ability. I make a valiant effort to stay away from dairy - it doesn’t like me and I have accepted that. Sometimes I will roll the dice and enjoy a fabulous cheese but aside from the special occasion I focus on dairy free eating to keep my tummy happy. This journey has helped me to explore and better understand incredible dairy substitutes because you don’t have to give up the things you enjoy. If creamy pasta like this creamy red pepper orzo with spicy shrimp is your jam, then live your best life and eat the things you love with a healthy little twist.

The secret to this creamy, dreamy pasta is HEMP SEEDS! Nutrients dense, mild tasty hemp seeds. Before I was using cashew cream as my substitute for all things dairy BUT it actually didn’t always sit well with me. Sometimes the dish would be far too rich and then I’d have to check and adjust to make sure it was balanced. While I still do cook with cashew milk from time to time (easier for my system ti handle than cashew cream) Hemp Seeds have become my NEW go to for creaminess. Not only are hemp seeds incredibly versatile they contain (per 3 tbsp) 10 g of protein, 9 g of omega 6 and 2.5 g of omega 3 fatty acids. Unlike nuts they don’t need to be soaked. Their tiny size and gentle crunch also for easy blending into a smooth sauce. I always recommend to start with slightly less liquid - it easier to thin out a sauce than thicken it.

I hope you enjoy this fabulous recipe! Feel free to tag me in your creations on IG & Tiktok.

Creamy Red Pepper Orzo with Spicy Shrimp

Serves 4

Ready in 30 minutes or less

ingredients:

1 1/2 cup Orzo

1 bunch spinach, chopped

2 lemons, juiced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, chopped

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 red pepper, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped

1/3 cup white wine

1/2 - 1 tsp chili flakes

2/3 cup hemp seeds

2/3 cup pasta water

1/3-2/3 cups water or stock

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

pinch cinnamon

Method:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

In the meantime, heat a sauce pan with a small drizzle of olive oil.

Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan, season with salt and sauté until fragrant about 3 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes and peppers, sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.

Add the white wine and allow to simmer until the wine has reduced.

Add the hemp seeds and pasta water. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.

Once the pot of water comes to a boil, season with salt and cook the orzo according to the package directions.

Add the chopped spinach to a bowl and mix with the drained, cooked orzo.

Squeeze lemon juice over the warm orzo.

Heat the pan over medium - high heat and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.

Add the shrimp and season, sear on each side then add the blended sauce and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes longer. You don’t want the shrimp to overcook.

To serve you can mix the orzo and sauce all together or spoon the sauce over the orzo. Garnish with fresh chopped basil,

VEGAN OPTION: omit the shrimp and replace with tofu, chickpeas or nothing at all.

CHICKEN OPTION: replace the shrimp with chopped chicken breast of chicken thighs. You could also increase the cooking time and simmer the chicken thighs in the sauce until they are tender, if you choose to slow simmer the chicken in the sauce before sure to leave the orzo portion until the end.