Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
A quick and flavorful one-pan dinner with tender shrimp, orzo pasta, and a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined patted dry
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped for serving
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water for 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pat completely dry.
- Sear the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat, 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or wine. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining butter. Stir until butter melts into the sauce.
- Toss in the orzo and stir to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the pan and warm for 1 minute. Finish with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp - work in batches if needed.
- Add garlic only on medium heat to prevent burning.
- Cold butter stirred in at the end creates a silky, glossy sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.