Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and al dente orzo are brought together with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the orzo, and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the orzo.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, then let the sauce simmer briefly to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the drained orzo to the skillet and stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this dish pescatarian.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is orzo the same as rice?

No, orzo is a pasta shaped like large grains of rice. It cooks quickly and has a slightly chewy texture different from rice.

Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce with zesty lemon juice, tossed together with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s fresh, light, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Shrimp and Sauce

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the orzo and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
4. Create the Lemon Garlic Sauce: Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the low-sodium chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors and reduce slightly.
5. Combine Orzo and Sauce: Add the cooked, drained orzo to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir gently to coat the orzo evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Reserve pasta water is useful to adjust the sauce consistency and adds starch to help bind the sauce to the orzo.
• Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but may alter the taste.
• This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: shrimp orzo, lemon garlic shrimp, orzo pasta recipe, Mediterranean shrimp dish, quick shrimp dinner