Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Savor the bright flavors of shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, served over tender orzo pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Stir in the cooked orzo and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
7. Step 7: Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until heated through.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it lighter or vegan if you omit the cheese.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
• To make it gluten-free, swap orzo with quinoa or rice.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the shrimp tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well—just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer to skip the wine, use additional chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity without altering the flavor too much.

Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

A light and flavorful Shrimp Orzo dish cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, complemented by tender baby spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy skillet meal combines succulent shrimp with tender orzo pasta, infused with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Pasta

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta

Sauce and Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Garnish

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine if using. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine Orzo and Spinach: Stir the cooked orzo and baby spinach into the skillet. Cook briefly until the spinach wilts slightly.
6. Finish with Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until warmed through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• White wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce; you can replace it with extra chicken broth if preferred.
• Watch the garlic carefully while sautéing to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Shrimp Orzo, Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Pasta, One Skillet Shrimp Dinner, Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe