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Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 794 reviews

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic, lemon, and white wine butter sauce, served over perfectly toasted and simmered orzo pasta. This easy-to-make recipe balances bright citrus notes with rich butter and fresh herbs for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Orzo:

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken stock (or seafood stock, or water), heated until boiling
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp:

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Toast the Orzo: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the uncooked orzo pasta and stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until some pieces turn a light golden brown to enhance the nutty flavor.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Pour in the boiling chicken stock and add 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the orzo simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender. If the orzo is still crunchy or the liquid remains, cook a few minutes longer.
  3. Sauté Garlic: While the orzo cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
  4. Cook Shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
  5. Add Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, then allow the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
  6. Finish with Butter and Season: Stir in the unsalted butter pieces and let them melt into the sauce, creating a smooth texture. Season the shrimp mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Spoon the cooked orzo onto plates, top with the lemon garlic shrimp and sauce, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Notes

  • For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for the orzo.
  • Scallops can be used instead of shrimp for a delicious variation.
  • Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking for a spicy kick.
  • Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the finished dish for extra flavor.
  • Toss in baby spinach or arugula for added greens and nutrition.
  • If using a different pasta like spaghetti or linguine, cook according to package instructions and serve with the shrimp sauce.

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, orzo pasta, seafood dinner, easy shrimp recipe, Mediterranean recipe, buttery shrimp, one-pan shrimp dish

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-with-orzo-recipe/