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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 72 reviews

A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo recipe that combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic and onion, and creamy Parmesan cheese with fresh lemon zest and baby spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant dish features perfectly cooked orzo simmered in broth and finished with bright, fresh herbs for a delightful meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sauté Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium) or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Touches

  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release flavor without burning.
  2. Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute, allowing it to lightly toast and develop a subtle nutty flavor.
  3. Simmer the orzo: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Add the shrimp: Stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the Italian seasoning. Cover the skillet again and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the orzo is tender.
  5. Finish the dish: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Mix well until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon for added brightness. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful shrimp orzo.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
  • Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest elevate the dish with bright citrus notes, so use fresh lemons rather than bottled juice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-orzo-recipe/