Lime Scallops and Orzo

Bright, zesty, and elegantly satisfying, Lime Scallops and Orzo is a coastal-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender, seared sea scallops are paired with buttery, lime-infused orzo, toasted to perfection and simmered in rich vegetable broth for a creamy, vibrant base. Accented with fresh parsley, a hint of garlic, and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish strikes the perfect balance of freshness and decadence. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe is a stunning fusion of flavors that brings effortless elegance to your table. Perfectly suited for a light summer meal or any time you want to impress, Lime Scallops and Orzo is sure to be a hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound large sea scallops
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sea scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it in the butter and garlic.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add more broth if needed.

Step 6

Lower the heat to low and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped parsley. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Return the scallops to the skillet, placing them gently on top of the orzo. Heat for 1-2 minutes to warm through.

Step 8

Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime zest or fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1174.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1891.6

Total Fat 76.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 256.0mg	0%
Sodium 5161.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 6.6g
Protein 124.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 243.5mg	0%
Iron 10.4mg	0%
Potassium 1844.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.6%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 38.7%