Shrimp Orzo Delight in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Shrimp Orzo Delight in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant lemon garlic sauce served over perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This quick and easy meal combines bright citrus notes, fresh herbs, and a light, savory broth for a delightful one-pan dinner that comes together in just 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add the orzo pasta and cook it until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for approximately three minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for two minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine Orzo and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked orzo into the skillet mixture, tossing everything well to coat the pasta with the lemon garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the shrimp orzo mixture to serving plates or a bowl. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Fresh lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor without adding extra acidity.
Keywords: shrimp orzo lemon garlic sauce seafood pasta quick dinner Mediterranean
