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Creamy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

creamy one-pan lemon garlic butter shrimp orzo - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender shrimp and orzo cooked in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught preferred)
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  4. Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute to toast lightly in the butter and garlic.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Check orzo for doneness; if not tender, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer.
  7. Turn off heat and stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan, nestle into the orzo, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper searing. Toast orzo briefly for nuttier flavor. Use low to medium heat when simmering to prevent liquid evaporation. Add extra broth if orzo sticks or dries out. Fresh lemon zest is key for aroma. Stir gently but regularly to keep sauce creamy. Remove shrimp as soon as pink to avoid rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic butter, one-pan meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-one-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-orzo-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/