If you are craving a seafood pasta dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests, this Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe is your answer. Tender, juicy shrimp mingle with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all tossed in a luscious sauce infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of creaminess from Parmesan and butter. This dish combines ease, vibrancy, and indulgence in every forkful, making it a new favorite you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe calls for straightforward but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its harmonious flavor and texture. From the bright lemon zest to the savory Parmesan and the peppery heat of red flakes, every element is carefully chosen to elevate this dish.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks fast and adds a sweet, briny bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds fruitiness and helps in sautéing shrimp and garlic perfectly.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Dry white wine: Brings acidity and depth, enhancing the lemon and garlic flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness and helps create the sauce base.
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Provides bright, tangy freshness.
- Lemon zest, finely grated: Intensifies lemon flavor without extra acidity.
- Heavy cream (optional): For those who prefer a richer, silkier sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, umami depth and creamy texture.
- Butter: Creates a silky mouthfeel and balances acidity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Lends herbal brightness and a pop of color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and bring all flavors together.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, typically about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook since the pasta will continue to absorb sauce later. Drain the orzo well, then toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set this aside—it’s the perfect base for our luscious lemon garlic sauce.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel so they sear beautifully. Season generously with salt and pepper, and if you like, a pinch of garlic or onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside—don’t worry, their flavor will infuse the sauce next!
Step 3: Build the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning. Pour in your dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the pan bottom—these bits add incredible depth. Let the wine reduce slightly for 1 to 2 minutes before adding chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Simmer this mixture for a few minutes until the sauce thickens gently.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter until everything melts together into a silky, vibrant sauce. If you prefer a richer version, now is the time to add the heavy cream, stirring it through gently. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. This sauce perfectly balances tang, creaminess, and a bit of heat.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Add the cooked orzo straight into the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss everything well to coat every grain. Then, return the cooked shrimp to the pan and fold them gently into the mix. Finish the dish by stirring in fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe with extra shaved or grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finish. A few fresh lemon wedges on the side encourage guests to add a squeeze of brightness to their plates. If you love a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes to wake up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let the Shrimp Orzo be the star. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce. Steamed or roasted asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach also complement the citrusy notes splendidly. For a heartier meal, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of parsley and a lemon twist. You can also plate the orzo as a bed with shrimp arranged on top for a more elegant display. Adding edible flowers or microgreens adds a festive flair, making this simple dish feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The shrimp and sauce hold their flavor well, but try to keep the pasta from drying out by adding a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the shrimp mixed in, as seafood can become tough when frozen and reheated. Freeze the lemon garlic orzo sauce and pasta in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before adding fresh-cooked shrimp.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring after each until the dish is warmed through but still deliciously creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear nicely rather than steam and keeps your shrimp tender and flavorful.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to maintain that tangy acidity without losing flavor complexity.
Is orzo pasta gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. However, if you need a gluten-free option, look for orzo made from rice or corn, or substitute with a similar gluten-free pasta that cooks quickly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for richness, and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the freshness of the lemon and garlic. You can adjust the amount or omit altogether depending on your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings together simplicity, incredible flavors, and vibrant colors on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to become a trusted favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself craving it again tomorrow!
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Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Orzo with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, tossed with tender orzo pasta. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this 35-minute recipe balances bright citrus flavors with creamy richness, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal to impress guests.
Ingredients
Orzo and Shrimp
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 3: Add chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce – Step 4: Stir in lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter until melted and sauce becomes smooth. If desired, add the heavy cream to enrich the sauce further and stir until fully combined.
- Season the Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the lemon garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together carefully.
- Finish with Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh herbal note and color to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp orzo immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Offer lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, don’t skip the heavy cream, but it can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- If you prefer spice, increase the red pepper flakes gradually to your taste.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest, freshest flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough when overdone.
- White wine can be replaced with additional chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture, as orzo will absorb sauce and can become mushy if left too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
