Description
This vibrant Lemon Shrimp Orzo is a delicious and easy Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring tender shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s a flavorful, quick, and wholesome meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Add Seasonings: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley until well combined. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve: Serve the lemon shrimp orzo warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired for added brightness.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or an additional tablespoon of butter when melting the butter for the sauce.
- This dish is versatile and can be enhanced by adding baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
