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Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp and nutty orzo in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and seafood lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the dry orzo and stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and nutty.
  3. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth with the toasted orzo. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender but al dente.
  4. While orzo cooks, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the shrimp.
  6. Once orzo is cooked, stir in cooked shrimp, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley on top.

Notes

Toast the orzo before cooking to enhance nuttiness. Melt butter on medium heat to avoid browning. Cook shrimp quickly to avoid rubberiness. Add extra broth if orzo looks dry before fully cooked. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and Parmesan with vegan cheese or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, shrimp orzo, quick dinner, easy seafood recipe, weeknight meal, garlic butter sauce, orzo pasta, shrimp dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-orzo-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/