Description
Bright, buttery, and packed with fresh citrus flavor, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is an easy dinner that feels both cozy and fresh. Tender shrimp, toasted orzo, garlic, lemon, and herbs come together in one skillet for a quick breakfast-for-dinner option, easy dinner, seafood pasta meal, and family-friendly food idea that works beautifully for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden, then remove from the skillet.
4. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the orzo and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the lemon zest.
8. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in the lemon juice.
10. Fold in the parsley and Parmesan cheese.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
Patting the shrimp dry helps them sear better and keeps them from turning watery in the pan.
Stir the orzo often while it simmers so it cooks evenly and does not stick to the skillet.
Add an extra splash of broth before serving if the orzo thickens too much as it sits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 210mg