Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo recipe is a zesty, buttery seafood pasta perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Bursting with lemon and garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and fluffy orzo, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s easy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for seafood lovers looking for a light and satisfying dinner idea.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juice and zest
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 1 minute.
4. Return orzo to the skillet along with some reserved pasta water. Stir to coat in the sauce. Add shrimp back and toss until heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
This dish tastes best when served fresh.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
You can add spinach, feta, or cherry tomatoes to customize it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg