Description
Shrimp Orzo is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with orzo pasta in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This recipe is rich in flavor, featuring fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and a touch of spice. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this shrimp orzo dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and light.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound shrimp (medium or large, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain excess liquid, reserving ¼ cup.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter, remaining olive oil, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add reserved broth, lemon juice, and cherry tomatoes, if using.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo and shrimp back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, crumbled feta, and extra lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan.
- For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: Shrimp orzo, Mediterranean pasta, garlic butter shrimp, easy seafood recipe, one-pan shrimp dish