Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The tender shrimp and creamy, tangy sauce pair beautifully with the tender orzo pasta for a comforting yet light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Stir in lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted and smooth. If using, stir in heavy cream for extra richness.
7. Step 7: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, adjusting to taste.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce and toss to coat. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
9. Step 9: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Offer lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp briefly in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before cooking.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish pescatarian-friendly.
• Add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the butter, cream, and Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.

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 broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure proper searing.

What type of white wine is best for the sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal, as it adds brightness without sweetness. Avoid cooking wines or sweet varieties for the best flavor.

Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining tender shrimp, al dente orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce enriched with Parmesan and a hint of creaminess. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, it balances bright citrus notes with savory depth and a touch of heat.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Shrimp

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder to enhance flavor.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Broth and Lemon Juice: Add chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted, creating a smooth sauce. If desired, incorporate the heavy cream for extra richness.
7. Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
8. Combine Orzo and Shrimp: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet containing the lemon garlic sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
9. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
10. Serve: Plate the shrimp and orzo immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Include a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Notes

• If you prefer a lighter sauce, omit the heavy cream.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
• To enhance the shrimp’s flavor, marinate briefly with lemon juice and garlic powder before cooking.
• For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and substitute vegetable broth, adding sautéed mushrooms or artichokes.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.

Keywords: shrimp orzo, lemon garlic sauce, easy shrimp pasta, Mediterranean shrimp recipe, quick dinner, citrus seafood pasta