Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The tender shrimp and creamy, zesty sauce pair beautifully with the nutty orzo pasta, creating a satisfying and elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted and smooth. If desired, stir in heavy cream for extra richness.
7. Step 7: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat with the lemon garlic sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
9. Step 9: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like, and a lemon wedge on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor.
• Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt stirred in just before serving for a lighter option.
• Add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• If you prefer, cook the shrimp directly in the sauce instead of separately for a more infused flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

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 be sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

What type of orzo should I use?

Regular orzo pasta is best. Look for good-quality brands made from durum wheat semolina to ensure a firm, al dente texture.

Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 130 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce made with white wine, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. Easy and elegant, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Pasta

• 1 pound orzo pasta

Shrimp

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Part 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Part 2: Reduce the heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Part 3: Add the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. If using heavy cream, stir it in now for an extra rich and creamy texture.
7. Season the Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat.
8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo pasta into the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Then gently add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine everything.
9. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
10. Serve: Serve the shrimp orzo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Offer lemon wedges on the side for an additional citrus kick.

Notes

• For extra richness, the addition of heavy cream is optional but recommended.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: shrimp orzo, lemon garlic shrimp, easy shrimp pasta, seafood pasta, lemon sauce pasta, quick dinner, Mediterranean recipe