Description
This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender large shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce enriched with Parmesan and a touch of cream. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful balance of bright citrus notes, savory garlic, and a creamy finish, making it an easy yet impressive meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Pasta
- 1 pound orzo pasta
Shrimp and Protein
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic or onion powder for added flavor.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 3: Add chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 4: Stir in the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter. Continue stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. If using, incorporate the heavy cream now for extra richness.
- Season the Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a hint of heat.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo directly to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright herbal note and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp orzo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Accompany with lemon wedges for an additional citrus kick.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, don’t skip the heavy cream, but it’s optional.
- Dry white wine choice can affect the flavor profile; Sauvignon Blanc offers more herbal notes, while Pinot Grigio is lighter and crisper.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired heat level or omit for a mild taste.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
