Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and delicate orzo pasta are coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce with a touch of heat. It’s easy to make and sure to impress!

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

• Use fresh or frozen shrimp depending on convenience, just be sure to thaw if frozen before cooking.
• Substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach for a different leafy green twist.
• Skip the white wine for a non-alcoholic version and add a splash more chicken broth instead.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese before adding the Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well when handled gently.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the orzo pasta for a gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa or rice to keep it gluten-free.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best bright and tangy flavor. If using bottled juice, reduce the quantity slightly and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

This vibrant Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, and fresh baby spinach in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Enhanced with a touch of white wine, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, it’s a bright, light dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

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 pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later.
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 them for 2 to 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 it for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic as it cooks.
4. Create the Sauce: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir the mixture well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
5. Simmer and Season: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
6. Combine Orzo and Spinach: Stir the cooked orzo and baby spinach into the sauce. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly from the heat, incorporating the greens into the dish.
7. Return Shrimp and Toss: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss all ingredients together until everything is heated through and well combined.
8. Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the mixture, stirring lightly to distribute them evenly.
9. Serve: Serve the shrimp orzo immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor to squeeze over each serving.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• The white wine is optional but adds depth; if omitted, increase the chicken broth slightly or add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.

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