Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! This Brown Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Basil Corn Orzo is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, nutty essence of brown butter, succulent shrimp, sweet caramelized corn, and aromatic basil. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your palate to Italian-inspired bliss.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the corn kernels to the brown butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly caramelized and tender.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with corn and brown butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drain the cooked orzo and return it to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
- Transfer the Parmesan basil orzo to a serving platter and top with the brown butter shrimp and corn.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Butter Browning Technique: Watch your butter carefully when browning. The transition from golden to burnt happens quickly, so keep the heat at medium and swirl the pan constantly.
- Shrimp Cooking Precision: Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate texture.
- Pasta Water Trick: Reserve a little pasta cooking water. If your orzo seems dry, you can add a splash to help the Parmesan cheese create a creamy consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and high-quality Parmesan for the most vibrant flavors. Pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly as freshly grated.
- Timing is Key: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly, and you'll want to serve it immediately while everything is hot and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 250mg
