Shrimp Orzo In Lemon Garlic Sauce
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright and tasty dish that brings together tender shrimp, delicate orzo pasta, and a fresh lemon garlic sauce that’s light and full…
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Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright and tasty dish that brings together tender shrimp, delicate orzo pasta, and a fresh lemon garlic sauce that’s light and full of flavor. The little orzo grains soak up the sauce perfectly, making every bite a nice mix of zesty and savory. It’s simple but feels a bit special with the zing of lemon and the warm, savory notes of garlic.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still impressive. The shrimp cooks fast, so it’s great for busy weeknights, and the lemon garlic sauce adds a fresh twist that wakes up your taste buds. I usually toss in a handful of fresh parsley or spinach at the end to brighten it up even more. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together in no time.
My favorite way to enjoy this shrimp orzo is with a side of crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. It’s also perfect for a light dinner or even a lunch that doesn’t weigh you down. Whenever I make it, everyone asks for seconds—it just hits the right spot between fresh and comforting every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. If you don’t have orzo, small pasta like couscous or ditalini works great too.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work. Just thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking. You can keep tails on for extra flavor or off for easier eating—your choice!
Lemon: Both zest and juice are key for bright, fresh flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work but add less and taste as you go.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor. Mince it finely so it infuses the sauce but doesn’t overpower the dish. Garlic powder won’t quite do the same here.
Butter and Olive Oil: Both add richness. Butter smooths the sauce, while olive oil helps sauté the shrimp and garlic. You can use all olive oil if you want a lighter dish.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery if overdone. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Heat the pan first, then add oil and shrimp.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until pink and opaque.
- Remove them immediately from heat to stop cooking further.
- Remember: shrimp turn from translucent to solid color when done.
Quick cooking keeps shrimp tender and juicy, making your dish taste fresh and tasty every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for boiling orzo without it sticking or spilling over.
- Large skillet – great for cooking shrimp and making the lemon garlic sauce all in one pan.
- Fine mesh strainer – helps drain cooked orzo easily to keep pasta from getting mushy.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – gentle on your skillet and ideal for stirring sauce and tossing ingredients together.
- Microplane or grater – handy for zesting the lemon finely without much mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for scallops for a sweet, tender seafood alternative that cooks just as quickly.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to bring a sweet and slightly smoky depth.
- Mix in baby spinach or arugula at the end for a pop of green and a boost of freshness.
- Try topping with crumbled feta cheese for a salty, creamy contrast that pairs well with lemon.
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (reserve some slices for garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cooking the orzo and shrimp, and another 10-15 minutes making the lemon garlic sauce and combining everything. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing 3 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still a little firm (al dente). Drain the orzo well and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
While the orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the shrimp, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce and Combine:
Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the lemon zest and pour in the chicken broth, scraping any tasty bits off the pan’s bottom. Let it simmer for a moment.
Next, add the butter and stir until melted. Toss the cooked orzo into this sauce, mixing well so it absorbs the lemony flavor for about 2 minutes.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
4. Serve:
Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh lemon slices, and serve warm. Enjoy your bright, fresh, and flavorful Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking by placing them in the fridge overnight or thawing in cold water. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture when sautéing.
Can I Substitute Orzo with Another Pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta like couscous, ditalini, or even small shells make good alternatives and will soak up the lemon garlic sauce nicely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the orzo and shrimp ahead, and store separately if possible. When ready to serve, reheat and combine with fresh lemon juice and parsley to keep the flavors bright.
