Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
A bright and flavorful Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce combines tender shrimp, al dente orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic broth with hints of white wine and crushed red pepper flakes. This quick skillet meal is finished with fresh baby spinach, Parmesan cheese, and parsley for a refreshing and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo well and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
- Make the Sauce: Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the sauce to a simmer and season it with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Orzo and Spinach: Stir in the cooked orzo and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt gently, stirring occasionally.
- Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together until heated through and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- White wine is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor; you can replace it with extra broth if preferred.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor better than pre-grated varieties.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
Keywords: shrimp orzo, lemon garlic shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick pasta dish, Mediterranean seafood, lemon spinach orzo, weeknight dinner
