There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that looks and tastes gourmet, yet comes together with such ease. That’s exactly how I feel about this Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce. I first made it on a whim when I was craving something fresh and light, but still hearty and satisfying. The combination of juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and a silky lemon garlic sauce was love at first bite. It quickly became a go-to favorite in my kitchen, especially on busy evenings when I want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
What I love about this recipe is how it blends comfort and freshness in one skillet. The orzo soaks up every drop of that fragrant lemony garlic sauce, and the shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor that feels elegant yet familiar. The aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with butter and lemon zest always fills the kitchen with warmth. Each time I serve it—whether for family or guests—it disappears fast, with everyone asking for seconds.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe hits all the right notes: it’s bright, buttery, garlicky, and packed with savory shrimp. It’s perfect for seafood lovers and easy enough for home cooks of any skill level. Plus, the balance of citrus and garlic is both zesty and rich without being overpowering.
It’s one of those meals you can dress up for dinner parties or keep simple for a weeknight dinner. Best of all, it comes together in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
Versatile
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the shrimp for chicken, turkey bacon, or even keep it vegetarian by adding zucchini or mushrooms. The orzo can be replaced with couscous or small pasta shells if that’s what you have on hand. It’s a forgiving and flexible recipe that adapts to your pantry and preferences.
Affordable
This recipe uses common, budget-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Frozen shrimp is often very affordable, and the rest—garlic, lemon, broth, and pasta—are staples you likely already have. It’s a cost-effective way to create something that feels special.
Ingredients for the recipe
– Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– Orzo pasta
– Garlic cloves (minced)
– Fresh lemon juice
– Lemon zest
– Olive oil
– Butter
– Chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
HOW TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE
Step-by-step instructions for preparation
Making Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is simple, yet the flavor is anything but. It all comes together in a single pan, making this dish both easy to prepare and quick to clean up. The flavors develop as each ingredient is layered, and by the end, you’ll have a creamy, lemon-infused orzo with perfectly cooked shrimp in every bite.
Step 1: Sauté the garlic
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning, as that can turn the sauce bitter.
Step 2: Add the orzo
Pour the orzo directly into the pan with the garlic. Stir it well so that each grain is coated in the garlicky butter and oil mixture. Toasting the orzo slightly enhances its nutty flavor and gives it a nice base for absorbing the broth.
Step 3: Deglaze and simmer
Next, add the chicken or vegetable broth. Pour in just enough to cover the orzo (usually about 3 cups). Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for around 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Add the shrimp
Once the orzo is nearly cooked, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Nestle them on top of the orzo and cover the pan. Allow them to cook for about 3–4 minutes, turning halfway through, until pink and opaque. Because shrimp cook very quickly, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Finish with lemon and butter
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and a small knob of butter. This final step transforms the dish by adding brightness and a silky texture to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Quick and easy
From start to finish, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. The process is smooth and doesn’t require any advanced techniques. Since everything cooks in one pan, there’s no juggling of pots or pans on the stove. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners when time and energy are limited.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easy it is to personalize. Don’t have shrimp? Use cubed chicken breast or even chickpeas for a plant-based version. Prefer creamy sauces? Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end. Want more veggies? Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking.
You can also adjust the level of garlic and lemon to your taste. Some like a heavy garlic kick, while others prefer just a hint. This recipe allows that flexibility. You can even sprinkle grated Parmesan over the finished dish for a cheesy touch.
Popular with many people
I’ve served this Shrimp Orzo to family, friends, and even at small gatherings, and it’s always a hit. It pleases both picky eaters and adventurous palates. Its combination of familiar flavors and gourmet presentation makes it feel both comforting and elegant. Even those who aren’t typically seafood fans have been won over by the balance of garlic, lemon, and perfectly tender orzo.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe stands out every time. It’s delicious hot off the stove, but leftovers reheat beautifully too.
Shrimp Orzo In Lemon Garlic Sauce
Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant, one-pan dish combining tender orzo pasta and succulent shrimp, all coated in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring continuously.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, coating it well with the garlic butter mixture. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, enough to cover the orzo (about 3 cups).
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Place shrimp on top of the orzo, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and a knob of butter. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
You can substitute orzo with couscous or small pasta shapes.
For a vegetarian version, swap shrimp for vegetables and use vegetable broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
Q: What can I substitute for orzo pasta?
A: You can swap orzo with couscous, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Replace shrimp with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the base.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the orzo and shrimp separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.
Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
A: Shrimp cook very quickly—usually 3 to 4 minutes. Watch for them turning pink and opaque; remove them from heat immediately to keep them tender.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the shrimp.