Shrimp and Orzo

The Perfect Combination

Who didn't love Jennifer Garner in Alias? How hot is she? Well, guess the gal can cook in addition to her fabulous smile and bod (hate her)! My wonderful Boulder friend, Liz Mohan, shared this with me years ago and I was recently reminded how quick, fantastic and flavorful this pasta dish is.

You know the drill... add a sprig of rosemary, serve with a mixed green salad, warm baguette, bubbly Pelligrino and crisp Italian Red and you are entertaining baby...

Jennifer Garner and Liz Mohan's Shrimp Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 # medium, shelled and deveined uncooked shrimp
• 1 C dry orzo pasta
• 2 t. olive oil
• 1C chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 C white wine
• 1 28-oz can of whole, peeled and drained tomatoes (reserve 1/2 C of the juice)
• 2 T. chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1T capers
• 1/2 t black pepper
• 1/4 t. dried basil
• 1/4 t black pepper
• 1/4 t red pepper flakes
• 1/2 C feta cheese

Directions:

• Cook pasta in boiling water according to box instructions.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook stirring for three minutes or until onion is translucent.
• Add white wine and cook for a minute.
• Then toss in the canned, drained tomatoes (reserve 1/2C for juice). Break tomatoes into chunks.
• Add reserved juice, chopped parsley, capers, oregano, basil, black and red pepper flakes. Simmer for five minutes.
• Add shrimp and cook for another few minutes or until shrimp becomes opaque.
• Add cooked orzo to the skillet.
• Mix well.
• When pasta is thoroughly heated, stir in feta cheese.
• Serve immediately.