Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Orzo

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Orzo is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy, tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce with a zesty lemon finish, served over light, fluffy orzo pasta. This dish is Mediterranean-inspired, perfect for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner.

½ kg large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

½ tsp smoked paprika

3 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic (minced)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

½ tsp dried oregano

For the Orzo

1 ½ cups orzo pasta

4 cups chicken broth (or water)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

For Garnish

Fresh parsley (chopped)

Lemon zest

Extra Parmesan cheese

Cook the Orzo

Boil the Orzo:
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add orzo pasta, salt, and olive oil.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
Drain and Season:
- Drain any excess liquid and stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Set aside while cooking the shrimp.

Cook the Shrimp

Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Sauté Garlic and Butter:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Lemon and Herbs:
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and fresh parsley.
- Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

Assemble and Serve

Plate the Orzo:
- Spoon the cooked orzo onto plates or a serving dish.
Top with Shrimp:
- Place the garlic butter shrimp on top.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with extra parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.
Pair with a Side:
- Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Pro Tips

For Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the orzo.
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For a Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free orzo or swap it for quinoa.

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Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp with Orzo