Description
This Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a bright, creamy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner made with juicy seared shrimp, tender orzo, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce. It comes together fast, tastes luxurious, and delivers restaurant-quality comfort in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 ½ cups orzo pasta
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3 tbsp olive oil, divided
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 cup chicken broth
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¼ cup white wine (optional)
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¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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3 cups baby spinach
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp chopped parsley
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the cooked orzo and spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
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Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
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Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan and parsley.
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Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
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If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best browning.
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For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a spoonful of butter at the end.
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The sauce thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers.
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Want it spicier? Add more crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg