Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a rich, one-pot comfort dish made with juicy shrimp, tender orzo, garlic, Parmesan, and a silky cream sauce with a bright lemon finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of paprika
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and melt. Sauté shallot for 2 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and orzo. Toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in white wine, scraping the pan. Let reduce by half.
- Add warm broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and creamy. Add a splash of water if needed.
- Lower heat. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Mix until smooth and spinach wilts.
- Return shrimp to the pan. Add lemon zest and juice. Stir gently and warm through.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and stay juicier when removed early.
- Warm broth helps the orzo cook evenly and creates a smoother texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
- Add extra broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg