If you love garlicky, buttery seafood dishes that come together fast, this Garlic Shrimp Orzo is about to be your go-to meal. Juicy, golden shrimp are tossed with tender orzo pasta and bathed in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that’s bright, savory, and satisfying. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Flavorful – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
Bright & Buttery – Fresh lemon and garlic bring balance to the richness.
Versatile – Serve as a main or side dish.
Customizable – Easily adapt with veggies or extra spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Orzo:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or zester
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
6. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
7. Sauté chopped shallot or onion for 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Orzo
8. Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.
9. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low.
10. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
11. Stir in butter, lemon zest, and Parmesan if using.
12. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
14. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Orzo
Use Fresh Garlic – It really makes a difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They only need a few minutes per side.
Toast the Orzo – Adds a nutty depth to the dish.
Add Greens – Toss in spinach, arugula, or peas at the end for a veggie boost.
Make it Creamy – Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
With Crusty Bread – For soaking up the garlicky sauce.
As a Light Dinner – Pair with a crisp salad and white wine.
With Roasted Veggies – Add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
As a Fancy Lunch – Easy to prep ahead and reheat.
How to Store & Reheat
Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Stovetop – Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of orzo?
Try couscous, small pasta shells, or even rice.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—skip the Parmesan and use olive oil instead of butter.
4. What wine pairs well with this?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Orzo is everything you want in a quick meal: flavorful, comforting, and packed with satisfying textures. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something special, this dish brings gourmet flair to your table without the fuss.
Make it tonight and share your creation online—I’d love to see your garlic shrimp masterpiece!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean – Seafood
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4 servings):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 550mg
Garlic Shrimp Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
If you love garlicky, buttery seafood dishes that come together fast, this Garlic Shrimp Orzo is about to be your go-to meal. Juicy, golden shrimp are tossed with tender orzo pasta and bathed in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that’s bright, savory, and satisfying. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.
Want more quick and elegant dinners like this? Subscribe now to get delicious new recipes delivered weekly!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp butter
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ tsp paprika
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Orzo:
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
-
1½ cups orzo pasta
-
3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
-
1 tbsp butter
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
-
2 tbsp chopped parsley
-
Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
-
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Toss in shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
-
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
-
Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
6. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
7. Sauté chopped shallot or onion for 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Toast and Simmer the Orzo
8. Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes to toast slightly.
9. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to low.
10. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
11. Stir in butter, lemon zest, and Parmesan if using.
12. Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently to combine.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
14. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
Use Fresh Garlic – It really makes a difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They only need a few minutes per side.
Toast the Orzo – Adds a nutty depth to the dish.
Add Greens – Toss in spinach, arugula, or peas at the end for a veggie boost.
Make it Creamy – Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean – Seafood
