Shrimp with Orzo

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Shrimp with Orzo recipe! Succulent shrimp are perfectly seared and tossed with al dente orzo pasta, enveloped in a luscious garlic-butter sauce infused with dry white wine, chicken broth, and zesty lemon for a refreshing citrus kick. Sweet cherry tomatoes add bursts of juiciness, while aromatic parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes bring brightness and a touch of heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is an ideal combination of comfort and sophistication. Perfect for serving your family or impressing guests, it can be finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a decadent finish. Easy to make yet packed with restaurant-quality flavor, Shrimp with Orzo is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.25 cup parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the orzo is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to coat the orzo in the sauce.

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the shrimp through.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and additional parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1499.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1371.0

Total Fat 71.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 943.1mg	0%
Sodium 4934.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.8g
Protein 142.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1206.0mg	0%
Iron 7.8mg	0%
Potassium 2886.7mg	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: 48.6%

Protein: 43.3%

Carbs: 8.1%