Print

Easy Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

creamy lemon garlic butter shrimp and orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting dish featuring juicy shrimp in a creamy lemon garlic butter sauce served over tender orzo pasta. Ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (medium or large, fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta (about 190g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, not browned.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and coated with butter.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet and warm through for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Cooking orzo in the sauce helps it absorb flavor better. Let dish rest a minute before serving to thicken sauce and meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic butter, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-orzo-recipe-to-try-tonight/