Description
A bright, buttery, and garlicky one-pot dinner ready in 30 minutes. This easy weeknight meal combines seared shrimp with creamy orzo pasta, lemon, and white wine for restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop parsley, zest and juice lemon, mince garlic, and thaw/pat dry shrimp.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter. Add dry orzo and toast for 2 minutes until light golden brown.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1-2 minutes to cook off alcohol.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add orzo to liquid, cover, and simmer 5-7 minutes until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add shrimp back to the pan with any juices. Toss to combine. Remove from heat.
- Stir in lemon zest and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice.
- Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
[‘Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing; wet shrimp will steam.’, “Do not overcook shrimp; they should form a loose ‘C’ shape.”, ‘Toasting the orzo adds a nutty depth of flavor.’, ‘Add lemon zest at the very end to preserve volatile oils.’, ‘If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.’, ‘This dish does not freeze well due to the shrimp and creamy sauce.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp orzo, one pot dinner, 30 minute meals, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy orzo, seafood pasta