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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/shrimp-orzo-in-lemon-garlic-sauce-recipe/