Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and simple yet elegant dishes that celebrate the freshness of ingredients. Among the myriad of delightful recipes that grace Italian tables, Italian Shrimp With Rice stands out as a quintessential example of the Mediterranean’s culinary prowess. Combining succulent shrimp with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and tender rice, this dish offers a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite.
With a total preparation time of just 50 minutes, including 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking, this recipe exemplifies efficiency without compromising on taste. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Let’s delve into the ingredients that compose this tantalizing dish:
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Cooked Rice (3 cups): The foundation of this recipe, cooked rice provides a comforting base for the flavorful shrimp and vegetable medley. Use your favorite variety of rice, whether it’s fluffy long-grain rice or nutty brown rice, to complement the other ingredients perfectly.
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Olive Oil (4 tablespoons): A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil infuses the dish with its distinctive flavor and adds a luscious mouthfeel. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its superior taste and health benefits.
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Onions (2, diced): The aromatic sweetness of onions forms the flavor base of many Italian dishes. When sautéed until soft and translucent, they impart a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Adding a refreshing crunch and a subtle herbal note, diced celery contributes both texture and flavor to the shrimp and rice ensemble.
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Sweet Basil (1 tablespoon, chopped): Fresh basil leaves lend a fragrant aroma and a hint of peppery sweetness to the dish, elevating its taste profile with their vibrant green hue.
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Diced Tomatoes (1 can, about 14 ounces): Bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-ripened tomatoes, diced tomatoes infuse the dish with bright, summery flavors. They also contribute a luscious tomato sauce that envelops the shrimp and vegetables.
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Peas (1 cup): Sweet, tender peas add pops of vibrant color and delicate sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory flavors of the shrimp and rice.
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Shrimp (2 cups, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, plump and succulent shrimp take center stage in this recipe. Rich in protein and brimming with oceanic flavor, shrimp lend a decadent touch to the dish, making it feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Now, let’s explore the step-by-step instructions to prepare this delectable Italian Shrimp With Rice:
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Sauté Onions and Celery: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors into the oil.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Once the onions and celery have softened, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with the chopped sweet basil. Season the mixture with your preferred herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
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Cook Over Low Heat: Reduce the heat to low, and let the tomato mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
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Incorporate Peas and Shrimp: After the tomato mixture has cooked down and developed a rich, savory sauce, add the peas and peeled, deveined shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to coat the shrimp and peas in the flavorful sauce.
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Cover and Heat Through: Cover the skillet with a lid, and let the shrimp and peas cook in the sauce for a few minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating that they’re cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
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Serve Hot: To serve, spoon a generous portion of hot cooked rice onto heated plates, and top it with the flavorful shrimp and vegetable mixture. Garnish with additional chopped basil leaves for a fresh burst of herbaceous flavor.
With its enticing aroma, vibrant colors, and harmonious flavors, Italian Shrimp With Rice is sure to delight your senses and transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every mouthful. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or showcased as the star attraction at your next dinner party, this irresistible dish is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Buon appetito!