Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juice and zest) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) When making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Start with large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for the best flavor. Next, orzo pasta adds a lovely texture. Garlic gives the dish a bold taste. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness and zing to the meal. Olive oil is essential for sautéing the garlic and shrimp. Red pepper flakes give a gentle heat, which is nice but not overwhelming. Choose either vegetable or chicken broth to cook the orzo. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor at the end. You can season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for richness. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both tasty and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help release the flavors of the garlic and pepper. 2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. 3. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn bright pink and curl up when done. Once cooked, take them out of the skillet and set them aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta. Toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring often. This step gives the orzo a nice, nutty taste that you will love. 2. Next, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the orzo to be al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed. 1. Once the orzo is ready, stir in the lemon juice and zest. This will brighten up the dish and add freshness. 2. Fold the cooked shrimp back into the orzo. Mix until everything is combined and heated through. 3. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Add the chopped parsley and mix it in. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is ready to be served! To make the best shrimp, avoid overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast. You want them to turn pink and slightly firm, usually 2-3 minutes on each side. The ideal cooking temperature is medium heat. This helps cook the shrimp evenly without burning. You can boost flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding fresh thyme or basil for a fragrant twist. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce. A dash of vinegar or more lemon juice adds nice acidity, brightening the dish. Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in a large pasta bowl. This looks appealing and makes it easy for guests. For garnishing, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color. Add grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. You can also place lemon slices around the edge for a fresh touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding the broth will enhance its nuttiness and depth of flavor, creating a more complex dish. Adjust the Broth: Depending on your preference, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish Creatively: Elevate presentation by garnishing with lemon slices, additional parsley, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Chicken gives a heartier bite. It cooks well and soaks up flavors. Just cut it into small pieces and cook until golden. Scallops add a sweet taste. They are tender and cook fast. Sear them like you do shrimp. Both options keep the dish tasty and fun! If you need a gluten-free meal, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta. There are many choices like rice or quinoa pasta. They cook differently, so check the package. Once cooked, mix them with the shrimp and sauce like you would with orzo. This keeps the dish light and fresh! To make your dish more vibrant, add vegetables. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work great. Add them when cooking the shrimp for extra flavor. You can also toss in herbs like basil or thyme. They bring a whole new level of taste. Experiment with what you have for a unique meal! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. To store it, place the dish in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo for up to 3 months. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the dish tasty. To reheat, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth. Heat it gently over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If using a microwave, cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid losing flavor and moisture. For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, large shrimp work best. You can use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp has a sweeter taste and better texture. However, frozen shrimp offers convenience and is often just as good. If you choose frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. Yes, you can make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can add sides for more variety. A simple green salad pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread for a comforting touch. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. If you want something light, try steamed asparagus. These sides complement the dish and enhance the flavors. This dish combines shrimp, orzo, and bright flavors for a simple, tasty meal. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great results. You can swap shrimp for chicken or make it gluten-free. Proper storage and reheating will keep leftovers delicious. By following these steps, you’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking journey with this vibrant dish!$

A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta, infused with lemon and garlic flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon juice and zest
0.25 cup olive oil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and the cooked shrimp into the orzo. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
Remove from heat, and fold in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve in a large pasta bowl, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Add lemon slices for decoration.

Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp