I love making Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce for its bright flavors that come together so easily. It’s a perfect one-pan dish that brings a taste of the coast to my kitchen. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so it’s great for busy nights!
Your Ingredients List
- 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
My Go-To Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
The Simple Steps to Follow
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- 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.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until heated through.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
You can easily customize this dish to make it healthier. Try swapping the orzo with quinoa or whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of oil used or choose to grill the shrimp instead of frying them. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes can give it even more nutrients.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love to serve this dish with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon-garlic sauce. A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully and makes the meal feel special. For a bit of crunch, serve with roasted veggies on the side.
Getting It Just Right
To achieve the perfect shrimp, make sure not to overcook them. They should be pink and opaque. If you find your sauce too thick, just add a splash of water or more broth. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out. The flavors may deepen, making it even tastier the next day!
Enjoy Every Moment
Food brings us together. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion, I believe every meal should be enjoyed with love. Take your time while cooking and relish the moments shared around the table.
A Few Common Questions
How long does Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce take to prepare?
This dish typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. With its quick cooking time, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for orzo in Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce?
If you don’t have orzo, try using rice, quinoa, or another small pasta like ditalini or acini di pepe. Each will add its own unique texture and flavor.
Print
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring shrimp and orzo in a bright lemon garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- 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.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together until heated through.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
For a healthier twist, you can substitute orzo with quinoa or use grilled shrimp instead of frying. Add more veggies for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic sauce, easy dinner, one-pan meal