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To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) The key to great flavor lies in the right seasonings. Here’s what to use: - Olive oil: This adds richness and helps cook the shrimp perfectly. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a nice kick. Don't skip this! - Lemon zest and juice: These brighten up the dish. They add a fresh, zesty taste. - Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they bring a little heat. Adjust to your taste. - Salt and pepper: These enhance all the flavors. Use them to taste. Garnishing makes your dish look nice and adds flavor. Here are some ideas: - Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh taste. - Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy touch. It’s optional but tasty. - Extra lemon wedges: Serve on the side for those who love more lemon. This simple list of ingredients and garnishes will help you create a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo that impresses everyone at the table! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, toss in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When it's done, drain it well and set it aside. You want the orzo to be firm but not hard. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it! After that, add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and, if you like it spicy, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Now it’s time to mix everything. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, the zest, and juice of 1 large lemon. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend. After that, add your cooked orzo back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the orzo soaks up that lemony sauce. Cook for one more minute. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. Taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. To make the shrimp shine, choose large, fresh shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for the best taste. Heat your skillet and add olive oil. When it’s hot, toss in minced garlic first. This step brings out the garlic's full flavor. Then, add the shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook; they can become tough. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Cooking orzo is simple if you follow a few steps. First, boil salted water in a large pot. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once boiling, add the orzo. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It will soak up all the lemony goodness later. To boost flavors, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness. They make the dish come alive. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. If you want more depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp. This adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Parmesan cheese on top is a great finishing touch. It adds creaminess and richness that pairs well with the zesty shrimp. Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect balance! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Conversely, add more for an extra kick! Perfectly Cooked Orzo: To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, be sure to cook it just until al dente and drain immediately. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Don't skip this step for a more vibrant dish! {{image_2}} You can easily swap out some ingredients in this dish. For the shrimp, use chicken or scallops. If you don’t have orzo, try small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. For the broth, vegetable broth works well, but chicken broth adds a deeper flavor. If you want more heat, consider using cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. You can make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in different ways. Instead of a skillet, use a grill for the shrimp. Just toss them on skewers and grill until done. You can also bake everything in the oven. Mix the cooked orzo, shrimp, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with cheese, then bake until bubbly. This adds a nice crust to the top. Serve the dish with a side salad for a fresh touch. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette fits well. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps. This adds crunch and freshness, making it a great finger food option. After making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, let it cool down. Transfer the dish to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container to keep it well-sealed. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to regain moisture. In the fridge, this dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last for about 2 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Proper storage keeps your meal tasty and safe. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps them from becoming rubbery. Once thawed, you can follow the recipe as usual. The shrimp will still soak up the lemon and garlic flavors well. If you don't have orzo, you can use other small pasta. Options include ditalini, or even rice. Quinoa is also a great choice for a healthy twist. Each option adds a nice texture, so pick what you like best. Adjust cooking times as needed for different grains. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that offer gluten-free orzo. You can also use rice or quinoa as an alternative. Just be sure to check the labels. They should be free from gluten ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! This blog post covers the key ingredients for a tasty dish, including seasonings and garnishes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, from orzo to perfectly cooked shrimp. We explored helpful tips for flavor and cooking methods, along with ingredient variations. I also provided storage info and answered common questions about substitutions. Cooking should be fun and easy. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A bright and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta in a lemon garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and gently toss everything together, ensuring the orzo absorbs the lemony sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp