Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
