Indulge in a flavorful and satisfying dish with this Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce. This recipe offers a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and a vibrant, zesty lemon garlic sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a dinner party, this meal checks all the boxes. The bright citrus flavor from the lemon, combined with the savory richness of the garlic, elevates the shrimp and orzo to a whole new level.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Orzo
Shrimp and orzo are a classic pairing that complements each other beautifully. The shrimp cooks quickly, absorbing the flavors of the garlic and lemon, while the orzo soaks up the sauce, making every bite bursting with taste. This dish is light yet filling, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s also versatile—whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is sure to impress.
This recipe is not only packed with flavor but is also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a great choice for both busy weeknights and more special gatherings. Plus, the balance of savory, tangy, and fresh elements means you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Ingredients for Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients that work harmoniously together to deliver a rich, zesty flavor.
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Shrimp – Opt for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a tender bite. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp can be used as well.
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Orzo Pasta – This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and provides a nice texture to complement the shrimp and sauce.
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Garlic – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the sauce. Mince or finely chop the garlic for maximum flavor infusion.
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Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish, offering a tangy contrast to the shrimp and garlic.
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Olive Oil – A good quality olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp, contributing richness to the dish.
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Butter – Adds a creamy finish to the sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
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Chicken Broth – For added depth and moisture in the sauce, chicken broth provides a savory base.
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Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
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Salt & Pepper – These simple seasonings enhance the flavors and balance the dish.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce
This dish comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a special gathering. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step 1:
Begin by cooking the orzo. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
While the orzo cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4:
Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to it. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, letting the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the orzo. Toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and orzo are coated in the lemon garlic sauce.
Step 6:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
How Long to Cook Shrimp and Orzo
The cooking time for shrimp and orzo is quite fast, making this dish perfect for a quick, weeknight meal. Here are some guidelines to help you get it just right:
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Shrimp – Shrimp cook very quickly, typically in about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they’re done.
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Orzo – Orzo usually takes around 8-10 minutes to cook in boiling salted water, but it’s important to keep an eye on it. Overcooking orzo can make it mushy, so aim for al dente for the best texture.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to store it for the best results:
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Refrigerator – Place the leftover shrimp orzo in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
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Freezer – While shrimp and orzo can be frozen, the texture may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, place the cooled dish in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Orzo
Here are a few tips to ensure your shrimp orzo turns out perfectly every time:
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
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Seasoning – Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a splash of white wine (if preferred) to the sauce for extra depth.
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Freshness of Garlic and Lemon – For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic and lemon. The lemon zest especially adds a fragrant, citrusy aroma that brightens up the dish.
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce are a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy, tender shrimp are paired with orzo pasta, all coated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. This recipe is not only full of flavor but incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup orzo pasta
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lemon, zest and juice
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Wash and dry the shrimp, then set aside.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked orzo. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and orzo in the sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the dish before serving.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
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For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, or run cold water over them in a colander for a quicker thaw. Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
2. Can I substitute the orzo with another type of pasta?
While orzo gives the dish a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, farfalle, or small shells if necessary. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta you choose, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic and butter sauce when sautéing the garlic. For more spice, try adding a diced fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce, depending on your heat preference.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is best served fresh to maintain the perfect texture of the shrimp. However, you can prepare the orzo and sauce ahead of time and then combine everything just before serving. Reheat gently, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.