Print

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Orzo: Easy 20-Minute Meal

garlic butter shrimp with lemon orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

This Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Orzo is a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are seared in garlic butter and served over creamy lemon orzo for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, zest and juice the lemon. Measure out your broth and orzo.
  2. Start the orzo: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and turns lightly golden. Add the chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the shrimp: While the orzo is simmering, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let it melt until it’s foamy but not browned. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant — stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
  4. Sear the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd — cook in batches if needed. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, until the bottoms are pink and lightly golden. Flip each shrimp with tongs and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they’re opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Finish the orzo: Once the orzo is tender, remove it from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter, the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If the orzo seems too thick, add a splash of warm broth or water.
  6. Bring it together: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet you used for the shrimp (don’t clean it). Stir to combine, letting the orzo soak up any remaining buttery bits. Gently fold in the shrimp and any juices from the plate.
  7. Serve immediately: Spoon the shrimp and orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry for best sear. Don’t overcook garlic. Toast orzo for nutty flavor. Use low-sodium broth for salt control. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, lemon orzo, quick dinner, weeknight meal, shrimp recipe, easy dinner, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://islatable.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-with-lemon-orzo-easy-20-minute-meal/