Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a rich, risotto-style pasta dish with tender shrimp, toasted orzo, garlic, and a silky lemon-Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and paprika, to season shrimp
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warm
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Cook shallot for 2 minutes until softened, then add garlic and orzo.
4. Toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden and fragrant.
5. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce by half.
6. Add warm broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
7. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach until melted and wilted.
8. Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Return shrimp (and juices) to the pan and toss gently to combine and heat through.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not rinse orzo—its starch helps create a creamy texture.
If the mixture becomes too thick before pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or broth.
Substitute wine with extra broth and a teaspoon of lemon juice if preferred.
Cook shrimp separately to avoid overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Texture should be creamy and spoonable, similar to risotto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg