Name: Lemon Shrimp Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Shrimp; 1 cup Orzo pasta; 1 cup Asparagus (trimmed); 2 tablespoons Olive oil; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 lemon Lemon (juiced); 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Okay, picture this: it’s a Tuesday night, you’re staring into the fridge wondering what on earth you’re going to throw together for dinner. Sound familiar? That’s where this Lemon Shrimp Orzo comes in to save the day! It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl, bursting with bright lemon flavor and succulent shrimp. Think of it as a cross between a creamy pasta dish and a super flavorful risotto, but way easier to make. Trust me, even on the busiest weeknights, you can whip this up in no time, and the family will think you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. My grandma used to make a similar dish with chicken, but this shrimp version is even quicker and feels a bit fancier – perfect for a little weeknight treat!

What is lemon shrimp orzo?

Lemon Shrimp Orzo is essentially a creamy, lemony pasta dish featuring orzo (that tiny rice-shaped pasta!), juicy shrimp, and a luscious sauce. It’s essentially a Mediterranean-inspired comfort food that’s both light and satisfying. Think of it as a sophisticated upgrade to mac and cheese, but with a bright, zesty twist. The orzo cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the amazing flavors, so you get a super creamy texture without having to make a separate sauce. The lemon brightens everything up, preventing it from feeling too heavy, and the shrimp adds a pop of protein and that delightful seafood sweetness. It’s a complete meal in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend lunch.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This Lemon Shrimp Orzo is a total game-changer for so many reasons. What I love most about it is the incredible flavor. The combination of bright lemon, savory garlic, and the delicate sweetness of the shrimp is just *chef’s kiss*. Then there’s the simplicity – it’s seriously one of the easiest dishes I make. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. Shrimp can be a bit pricey, but you only need a pound or so for a generous serving. You could even use frozen shrimp to save some money! And talk about versatility! This is amazing served hot as a main course, but it’s also fantastic cold as a pasta salad. I’ve even packed it for lunch a few times, and it’s always a hit. If you love dishes like Shrimp Scampi or lemon chicken pasta, you’re absolutely going to adore this recipe. It’s like those, but with a fun little orzo twist!

How do I make lemon shrimp orzo?

Quick Overview

Making this Lemon Shrimp Orzo is surprisingly simple. You’ll start by sautéing some garlic and shrimp, then add the orzo and cook it in broth until it’s tender and creamy. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese bring it all together. Honestly, the hardest part is remembering to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick! The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. What’s special about this method is that cooking the orzo directly in the broth infuses it with flavor from the get-go, creating a much more vibrant and cohesive dish.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Shrimp Orzo:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer using wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor, but farmed works too! Just make sure they’re thawed completely before you start.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds so much flavor.)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt level)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio – optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor).
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving. (Real Parmean is the way to go). (The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as well.)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus zest of 1 lemon (Fresh lemon is key! What is the difference between bottled juice and juice?
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

How do I make sure everything is prepped and ready to go? How do you chop garlic and shrimp? I like to have everything measured out and within easy reach. No need to preheat anything – this is all done on the stovetop! Get out a large skillet or pot with lid.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic & Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the dish. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Toast Orzo

Add the orzo to the same skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. This step helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the orzo. You’ll start to smell a slightly nutty aroma – that’s how you know it’s ready!

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

If using, pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. What is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, until slightly reduced. If you’re skipping the wine, just go straight to the next step!

Step 5: Add Broth & Simmer

What is the recipe for chicken broth? Pour it into a pot, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. If the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, wait 5 minutes. How do you stir orzo to avoid sticking. If it’s too dry, add a little more broth. If it’s too watery, cook uncovered for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Stir in Lemon, Parmesan, & Parsley

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and salt. Stir well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. How does cheese melt into sauce?

Step 7: Add Shrimp Back

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat through for a minute or two. You just want to warm the shrimp up – don’t overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. What is the best way to serve hot out of the skillet?

What is the best way to serve it?

Lemon Shrimp Orzo is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a few simple Side Dishes. I love serving this salad with a lemon vinaigrette. It’s so light and filling. The acidity of the vinaigrette complements the lemon in the orzo perfectly. For dinner, I often pair it with some roasted asparagus or broccoli. The bitterness of the vegetables balances out the richness. If you’re having company over, you could start with a caprese salad or ham and cheese platter. For a truly decadent meal, serve it with bread for soaking up all that delicious flavor. My family tradition is to always have garlic bread with any pasta dish – it’s a must!

How do I make a lemon shrimp orzo?

How do I take my Lemon Shrimp Orzo to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?

What are the best ShriWhat is the best way to use fresh or frozen shrimp? Just make sure they’re thawed completely and patted dry before cooking. Wet shrimp won’t brown properly.

Garlic:Why don’t burn the garlic? It’s crucial to the flavor, but burnt garlic is bitter. Cook it over medium heat for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Orzo Texture:Cook orzo until al dente – slightly firm to the bite. What should I do if I want to cook it for a few minutes? I’ve accidentally overcooked it before, and it becomes mushy – not what we want!

Lemon Zest:Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds so much flavor. Make sure to zest the lemon before you juice it.

Parmesan:Use real Parmesan cheese, not the pre-shredded stuff. Why is Parmesan richer? What is the best Parmesan cheese?

What is a goodIf you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth and a little extra olive oil. What is the use of white wine vinegar?

Spice It Up:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. What are some good substitutes for fresh chili peppers?

Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano would all be delicious in this dish.

Creaminess Boost: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or Cream Cheese at the end.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and add some sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could even add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Lemon Shrimp Orzo is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may be a little drier when reheated. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the orzo can lose its texture.

Room Temperature: Do not leave the orzo at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the orzo in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.

Freezer Instructions: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp and orzo may change upon thawing.

Glaze Timing Advice: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese. You can also substitute with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but I find that it’s still delicious without it.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic. You can also add some chopped fresh chili peppers for extra spice.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be a delicious addition. You can add them to the skillet along with the garlic.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Lemon Shrimp Orzo! I truly hope you give this one a try. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that just works every single time. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious pasta dishes, be sure to check out my recipe for creamy tomato pasta. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I love hearing about your cooking adventures!