Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish This dish starts with one pound of large shrimp. I love using shrimp because they cook quickly and taste great. The orzo pasta is next, and it adds a nice bite to the meal. You need one cup of orzo to soak up all those delicious flavors. Next, we have the flavor enhancers. Four minced garlic cloves give a strong taste. Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish. A lemon, zested and juiced, adds bright flavor. The zest gives it a fresh kick, while the juice adds tang. Now, let’s look at the cooking essentials. You will need two cups of vegetable broth. This broth cooks the orzo and keeps it moist. For cooking, we use two tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. These fats help the garlic and shrimp sauté beautifully. If you want a little heat, you can add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper help bring out the other flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste when serving. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this lemon garlic shrimp orzo a standout dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium saucepan. Pour in two cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add one cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the orzo and set it aside. This step is key for a tasty base. Now, take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Let them melt together. Next, toss in four minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Then, add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Once the shrimp is done, pour in the juice and zest of one lemon. Stir it well to coat the shrimp in that bright flavor. Let it simmer for about a minute. Then, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp, orzo, and sauce mix well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it just right! To cook shrimp just right, watch their color. They should turn pink and opaque. This takes about 4 to 6 minutes. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so keep an eye on them. For seasoning, taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to suit your palate. You can also adjust the red pepper flakes for heat. A little zing goes a long way! You can prep this dish before serving. Cook the orzo and shrimp ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat up the shrimp and orzo together. Add the lemon juice and zest right before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh. This dish shines on its own but pairs well with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad adds crunch and freshness. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a warm touch. If you want a heartier meal, consider a side of steamed veggies. Enjoy it however you like! Pro Tips Choose Quality Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are large and sustainably sourced for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they are pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture; they will continue to cook slightly after removing from heat. Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth for a richer flavor compared to store-bought options. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh parsley just before serving brightens the dish and adds a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken gives a hearty bite. Cut chicken into small pieces and cook like shrimp. Tofu adds a nice twist. Use firm tofu and cube it. Cook it until golden brown for flavor. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. Spinach is a great choice. Just toss it in at the end until it wilts. Tomatoes add a fresh taste. You can use cherry tomatoes or diced ones. Asparagus is another tasty option. Cut it into small pieces and sauté until tender. Feel free to change the flavor profile. Herbs can make a big difference. Try adding basil or cilantro for freshness. You can also use thyme or rosemary for a warm taste. For spice lovers, mix in cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These changes keep the dish exciting and new. After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. In the fridge, it will last for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, do not add the parsley until you reheat it. This keeps the garnish fresh and bright. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you have a few options. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo and shrimp mixture, stirring gently until warmed through. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help it stay moist. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it is hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Then, pat them dry before cooking. This way, they will cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. To add heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the lemon and garlic. If you don't have orzo, use another small pasta like ditalini or couscous. Quinoa or rice can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. This keeps the dish tasty and satisfying. Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them flavorful. When you're ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. Enjoy it again! This article covered how to make a tasty shrimp orzo dish. You learned about the main ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. I shared tips for making the dish your own and ideas for storage. Remember, you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, and add your favorite veggies. Experiment with flavors to keep things fun. Enjoy this dish for a quick weeknight meal or impress guests with your new skills!$

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and quick dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta in a lemon garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zested and juiced
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
Pour in the lemon juice and zest into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for a minute to ensure the shrimp are coated in the delicious lemon garlic sauce.
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the orzo, shrimp, and sauce are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, shrimp