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Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A vibrant, one-pan dish featuring juicy shrimp and golden orzo, all coated in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce for a quick and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on or off) Fresh or thawed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Can add more for stronger flavor
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For heat
  • 1/2 lemon lemon (juiced) About 2 tbsp
  • 1/2 lemon lemon (zested) About 1 tsp
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orzo
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 shallot (finely diced, or 1/4 small onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 lemon lemon (juiced) About 2 tbsp
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation of Shrimp
  1. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Cooking the Orzo
  1. Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant. Toss in the orzo and stir for about a minute.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Add chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook until orzo is al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in cooked shrimp, butter, and Parmesan. Season to taste.

Notes

Serve in a shallow bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for about 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a little water or broth.