Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, creamy Parmesan, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon all cooked together with orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the dish offers a delightful balance of garlicky, cheesy, and fresh citrus notes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 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
- Cook the aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the orzo. Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the orzo becomes lightly golden, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the orzo. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, season with salt and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the shrimp. Stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp along with Italian seasoning. Cover again and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the orzo is tender.
- Finish with lemon and cheese. Remove the lid and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Mix well until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well incorporated.
- Serve. Plate the orzo and shrimp mixture, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and optionally add an extra squeeze of lemon for additional brightness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- You can substitute orzo with small pasta like acini di pepe or pastina if desired.
- If you prefer a less creamy texture, reduce the Parmesan cheese slightly.
- Using fresh lemon zest and juice adds a vibrant fresh flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Low-sodium broth is recommended to better control salt levels in the dish.
