The Ultimate Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo: A Mediterranean Masterpiece
Experience a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen with this vibrant, zesty, and buttery seafood delight.
If you are looking for a meal that feels like a luxury seaside dinner but comes together in under 30 minutes, you have found it. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines succulent, buttery shrimp with tender, rice-shaped pasta—all tied together in a bright, citrus-infused sauce.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the contrast of textures: the “snap” of perfectly seared shrimp against the creamy, velvety bite of orzo. Infused with fresh garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes, and a generous shower of fresh parsley, every forkful is a celebration of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s light enough for a summer lunch, yet comforting enough for a cozy winter dinner.
The Ingredients: Why Every Component Matters
To achieve a restaurant-quality result, every ingredient plays a specific role in the flavor profile of this one-pan shrimp recipe:
- Large Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined): The star of the show. Using large shrimp ensures they stay juicy and don’t overcook while you’re searing them.
- Orzo Pasta: Often mistaken for rice, this is a small pasta that absorbs the cooking liquid and shrimp juices, creating a self-thickening, creamy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: We use 4–5 cloves to provide a deep, aromatic base that complements the sweetness of the seafood.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is the liquid the orzo cooks in. Using broth instead of water adds layers of savory depth.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: The zest provides the essential oils for aroma, while the juice cuts through the butter to provide a bright, acidic finish.
- Unsalted Butter & Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A combination of both allows for a higher smoke point while providing that rich, silky mouthfeel.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle “back-of-the-throat” heat that balances the citrus.
- Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Adds a necessary earthy freshness and a vibrant pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Toast the Orzo: Add the dry orzo to the pan. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the pasta is slightly toasted and coated in the garlic butter. This adds a complex, nutty flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Emulsify and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the parsley. If the pasta looks too dry, add a small splash of extra broth.
- Combine: Fold the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Let them sit for 1 minute just to warm through and marry the flavors.
- Garnish: Top with the remaining fresh parsley, more red pepper flakes, and an optional dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with a crisp Arugula Salad tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness. For vegetables, roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini work beautifully. Don’t forget a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc to complement the citrus notes.