Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring perfectly sautéed shrimp infused with garlic, lemon, and white wine, served atop tender, toasted orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken stock. Ideal for a quick, elegant dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired meal balances zesty, buttery goodness with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orzo:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken stock (or seafood stock, or water), heated until boiling
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb raw shrimp
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the uncooked orzo pasta and toast it, stirring constantly, until some pieces begin to turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Orzo: Carefully add the boiling chicken stock to the toasted orzo, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until almost all the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. If the orzo remains crunchy or the liquid is still plentiful, cook a bit longer. Once done, set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic retains its fresh flavor without bitterness.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly to concentrate flavors. Then stir in the unsalted butter pieces until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cooked orzo onto plates and top with the lemon garlic shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve optionally with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Notes
- To create a low-carb version, substitute orzo with cauliflower rice.
- Swap shrimp with scallops for a different seafood flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the shrimp sauté for a spicy kick.
- Consider sprinkling crumbled feta cheese on top for extra creaminess.
- Toss in baby spinach or arugula before serving to add freshness and greens.
- If choosing a different pasta (spaghetti or linguine), cook it separately following package instructions.
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Orzo Pasta, Easy Seafood Dinner, Mediterranean Recipe, Quick Shrimp Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Garlic Shrimp, One-Pan Dinner