Description
A bright and flavorful Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, tossed with tender orzo pasta, tangy lemon juice and zest, and finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo and Shrimp
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Remove Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp from the skillet to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Simmer Sauce: In the same skillet, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Orzo to Sauce: Stir in the cooked orzo, allowing it to absorb the lemony sauce for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate the flavors well.
- Combine Shrimp and Cheese: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the orzo. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently until the cheese melts and coats the dish evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve the shrimp orzo immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best lemon flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty finish but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
