Seared Scallops or Shrimp With Orzo Risotto

A rich and gourmet dish without needing a gourmet chef! A delicious recipe from Best of Bridge that makes about 16 scallops or shrimp. This risotto is made with orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta. Serve with asparagus for a complete meal. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• Orzo Risotto

• 1 2⁄3 cups orzo pasta
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  cup mushroom, diced
• 1⁄3 cup onion, diced
• 1⁄3 cup sun-dried tomato, diced
• 1⁄3 cup  red pepper, diced
• 2  cups  chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2  tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  whipping cream

• Scallops

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 3⁄4 lb  large scallops (from Nova Scotia if you can) or 3⁄4 lb large shrimp
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper

• Top

•  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook orzo according to package directions and set aside.
2. In large heavy pot, heat oil and saute mushrooms, onion, sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper until soft.
3. Add stock and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in orzo, parmesan and parsley. Add cream and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until mixture is creamy but not runny, about 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat oil in very hot pan. Season scallops or shrimp with salt and pepper. For scallops: sear until brown on outside but opaque in the middle. For shrimp: sear until just pink and cooked through.
6. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over risotto and top with scallops or shrimp.