Description
A delightful dish that combines the freshness of shrimp with the richness of garlic and the zing of lemon, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then juice it separately. Chop the fresh parsley and set aside. This prep takes about 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir well to coat with the garlic oil. Toast lightly for 2-3 minutes until a faint nutty smell develops.
- Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth or water if needed.
- While the orzo simmers, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- When the orzo is tender and most broth absorbed, fold in the cooked shrimp. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Notes
For a more intense lemon flavor, add more lemon zest and juice. If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg