Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Shrimp Scampi Orzo is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender pasta with juicy shrimp, all tossed in a flavourful mix of garlic, butter, and a splash of fresh lemon. Everything comes together with a quick simmer, for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Fish & Seafood, Lunch, Main Dishes & Entrees, Noodles & Pasta

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: Shrimp and orzo, Shrimp and orzo recipes, shrimp orzo, Shrimp orzo recipe, Shrimp scampi orzo, shrimp scampi with orzo

Servings: servings

Author: Taneisha Morris

Equipment

Large Skillet or saute pan
Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Orzo
1 pound Raw Shrimp peeled and deveined
6 cloves Garlic minced
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
2 tbsp Butter
3 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
3 tbsp Fresh Parsley finely chopped
Lemon Wedge and Fresh Parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine shrimp with 3 minced garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat well and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 3 whole garlic cloves and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the butter. Toast the orzo for 2-3 minutes until it begins to turn golden.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the orzo is cooked, add the shrimp back into the pan, toss in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with lemon wedges and more fresh parsley before serving, as desired.

Notes

Maximize the Shrimp Flavour: After cooking the shrimp, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the butter. This will lift any browned bits from the pan, infusing the dish with added flavour!

Toast the Orzo: When toasting the orzo, stir constantly and keep a close eye on it. Allowing it to turn golden enhances its natural nutty (and delicious) flavour.

Keep the Shrimp Juicy: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp in the first step. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, as they'll cook slightly more when mixed back in with the orzo. This prevents the shrimp from becoming tough or rubbery.

Nutrition