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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo Flavorful and Simple Meal

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- Orzo pasta - Large shrimp - Olive oil - Garlic - Lemon - Vegetable broth - Cherry tomatoes - Fresh spinach - Dried oregano - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need just a few simple ingredients. Start with orzo pasta; it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. I love using large shrimp for this dish. Their size gives a nice bite and they cook fast. Olive oil is key for sautéing. It adds rich taste. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. I use fresh garlic, minced into small pieces. Lemon is essential; both the zest and juice add brightness. Vegetable broth gives depth to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while fresh spinach adds nutrients. For seasoning, I use dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. Finally, if you want a creamy touch, grated Parmesan cheese is a good option. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, pour the orzo into a colander to drain. Set it aside for later. Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it smells great but does not brown. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they cook too long, they can get tough, so keep an eye on them. Once the shrimp are ready, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir this mixture and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, gently fold in the cooked orzo. Mix everything well to combine. Heat the mixture through for another 2 minutes. Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dish. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Stir it once more for a perfect finish. To know when shrimp are cooked, look for a pink color. They should also be firm to the touch. If they curl tightly, they are likely done. Avoid overcooking by removing them from heat right when they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely. Using fresh herbs can really boost the flavor. I love adding fresh parsley right before serving. You can also try basil or cilantro for a twist. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use less. Substituting ingredients is easy. Swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer. You can even use zucchini or bell peppers as a veggie option. For plating, use a wide bowl to show off the colors. Start with the orzo, then top with shrimp and veggies. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. You can also add grated Parmesan for creaminess. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a chilled sparkling water. A side salad goes well, too, for a fresh touch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and spinach for the best flavor and texture. Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Be sure to cook the orzo until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Season with Care: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-seasoning. Garnish with Citrus: Adding extra lemon zest on top before serving enhances the dish's brightness and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Chicken works well with the same lemon and garlic flavors. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it until fully done. Scallops add a sweet touch and cook very quickly. They become tender and juicy in no time. For a plant-based option, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the flavor well and add protein. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo. It provides the same great texture. You can also use other pastas like penne or fusilli. These shapes will hold the sauce well. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed. Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also try adding seasonal vegetables. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. Mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it again, look for signs of spoilage, like off smells or colors. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo if you want to save some for later. Make sure it is cool before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it on low, stirring often, until it is warm. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can use orzo in salads, soups, or as a side dish. Its texture is chewy, making it a great addition to many meals. Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in advance. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. Just remember to cover it well. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, warm it in short bursts. Stir in a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. In a skillet, heat gently over medium heat, stirring until warm. Absolutely! You can add or swap veggies based on your taste. Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas work great. Just chop them small and add them when you mix in the broth. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a nice side. You can even serve it with a light white wine for a special touch. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo dish combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You can create a tasty meal, perfect for any occasion. Remember to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options. Proper storage and reheating keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy the lively flavors and feel free to make it your own. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. I hope you try it soon!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Do you crave a meal that’s both tasty and easy to make? Look no further than Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo! This dish combines juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and fresh veggies in a simple one-pan recipe. It’s packed with flavor and sure to impress. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the ingredients and cooking process. Ready to whip up this delight? Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh vegetables creates a bright and delicious dish.
  3. Healthy and Nutritious: With shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes, this meal is packed with protein and vitamins.
  4. Customizable: You can easily swap in different vegetables or add spices to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– Orzo pasta

– Large shrimp

– Olive oil

– Garlic

– Lemon

– Vegetable broth

– Cherry tomatoes

– Fresh spinach

– Dried oregano

– Salt and pepper

– Fresh parsley

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need just a few simple ingredients. Start with orzo pasta; it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. I love using large shrimp for this dish. Their size gives a nice bite and they cook fast. Olive oil is key for sautéing. It adds rich taste.

Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. I use fresh garlic, minced into small pieces. Lemon is essential; both the zest and juice add brightness. Vegetable broth gives depth to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while fresh spinach adds nutrients.

For seasoning, I use dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. Finally, if you want a creamy touch, grated Parmesan cheese is a good option. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Orzo

To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, pour the orzo into a colander to drain. Set it aside for later.

Sautéing the Garlic and Shrimp

Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it smells great but does not brown. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they cook too long, they can get tough, so keep an eye on them.

Mixing in Broth and Vegetables

Once the shrimp are ready, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir this mixture and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, gently fold in the cooked orzo. Mix everything well to combine. Heat the mixture through for another 2 minutes. Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dish. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Stir it once more for a perfect finish.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp

To know when shrimp are cooked, look for a pink color. They should also be firm to the touch. If they curl tightly, they are likely done. Avoid overcooking by removing them from heat right when they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely.

Flavor Enhancements

Using fresh herbs can really boost the flavor. I love adding fresh parsley right before serving. You can also try basil or cilantro for a twist. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use less. Substituting ingredients is easy. Swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer. You can even use zucchini or bell peppers as a veggie option.

Serving Suggestions

For plating, use a wide bowl to show off the colors. Start with the orzo, then top with shrimp and veggies. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. You can also add grated Parmesan for creaminess. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a chilled sparkling water. A side salad goes well, too, for a fresh touch.

Pro Tips

  1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and spinach for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Be sure to cook the orzo until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
  3. Season with Care: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
  4. Garnish with Citrus: Adding extra lemon zest on top before serving enhances the dish’s brightness and flavor.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Chicken works well with the same lemon and garlic flavors. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it until fully done. Scallops add a sweet touch and cook very quickly. They become tender and juicy in no time. For a plant-based option, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the flavor well and add protein.

Different Pasta Choices

If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo. It provides the same great texture. You can also use other pastas like penne or fusilli. These shapes will hold the sauce well. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed.

Flavor Profile Changes

Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also try adding seasonal vegetables. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These not only add color but also enhance the dish’s flavor. Mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it again, look for signs of spoilage, like off smells or colors.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo if you want to save some for later. Make sure it is cool before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it on low, stirring often, until it is warm. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

What is orzo pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can use orzo in salads, soups, or as a side dish. Its texture is chewy, making it a great addition to many meals.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in advance. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. Just remember to cover it well.

How to reheat Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo?

To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, warm it in short bursts. Stir in a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. In a skillet, heat gently over medium heat, stirring until warm.

Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add or swap veggies based on your taste. Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas work great. Just chop them small and add them when you mix in the broth.

What are some side dishes to serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo?

Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a nice side. You can even serve it with a light white wine for a special touch.

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo dish combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You can create a tasty meal, perfect for any occasion. Remember to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options. Proper storage and reheating keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy the lively flavors and feel free to make it your own. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. I hope you try it soo

- Orzo pasta - Large shrimp - Olive oil - Garlic - Lemon - Vegetable broth - Cherry tomatoes - Fresh spinach - Dried oregano - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need just a few simple ingredients. Start with orzo pasta; it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. I love using large shrimp for this dish. Their size gives a nice bite and they cook fast. Olive oil is key for sautéing. It adds rich taste. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. I use fresh garlic, minced into small pieces. Lemon is essential; both the zest and juice add brightness. Vegetable broth gives depth to the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while fresh spinach adds nutrients. For seasoning, I use dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. Finally, if you want a creamy touch, grated Parmesan cheese is a good option. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, pour the orzo into a colander to drain. Set it aside for later. Next, take a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often until it smells great but does not brown. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they cook too long, they can get tough, so keep an eye on them. Once the shrimp are ready, pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir this mixture and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, gently fold in the cooked orzo. Mix everything well to combine. Heat the mixture through for another 2 minutes. Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dish. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Stir it once more for a perfect finish. To know when shrimp are cooked, look for a pink color. They should also be firm to the touch. If they curl tightly, they are likely done. Avoid overcooking by removing them from heat right when they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely. Using fresh herbs can really boost the flavor. I love adding fresh parsley right before serving. You can also try basil or cilantro for a twist. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use less. Substituting ingredients is easy. Swap out shrimp for chicken or scallops if you prefer. You can even use zucchini or bell peppers as a veggie option. For plating, use a wide bowl to show off the colors. Start with the orzo, then top with shrimp and veggies. Drizzle some olive oil on top for shine. You can also add grated Parmesan for creaminess. Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a chilled sparkling water. A side salad goes well, too, for a fresh touch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and spinach for the best flavor and texture. Cook the Orzo Al Dente: Be sure to cook the orzo until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Season with Care: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid over-seasoning. Garnish with Citrus: Adding extra lemon zest on top before serving enhances the dish's brightness and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Chicken works well with the same lemon and garlic flavors. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it until fully done. Scallops add a sweet touch and cook very quickly. They become tender and juicy in no time. For a plant-based option, try using chickpeas or tofu. Both options soak up the flavor well and add protein. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo. It provides the same great texture. You can also use other pastas like penne or fusilli. These shapes will hold the sauce well. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust as needed. Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice kick. You can also try adding seasonal vegetables. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These not only add color but also enhance the dish's flavor. Mixing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the taste. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it again, look for signs of spoilage, like off smells or colors. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo if you want to save some for later. Make sure it is cool before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it on low, stirring often, until it is warm. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can use orzo in salads, soups, or as a side dish. Its texture is chewy, making it a great addition to many meals. Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in advance. Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. Just remember to cover it well. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, warm it in short bursts. Stir in a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. In a skillet, heat gently over medium heat, stirring until warm. Absolutely! You can add or swap veggies based on your taste. Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas work great. Just chop them small and add them when you mix in the broth. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a nice side. You can even serve it with a light white wine for a special touch. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo dish combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You can create a tasty meal, perfect for any occasion. Remember to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options. Proper storage and reheating keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy the lively flavors and feel free to make it your own. Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. I hope you try it soon!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and easy dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all infused with lemon and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the orzo pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set aside for later use.
  • In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • Introduce the shrimp into the skillet, seasoning them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque in color. Remove the skillet from heat if necessary to avoid overcooking.
  • Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, pour in the vegetable broth, along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  • Carefully add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Gently fold the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Allow the mixture to heat through for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed, then give everything another gentle stir to incorporate.
  • For a beautiful presentation, serve the dish immediately, garnishing with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and, if desired, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of creaminess.

Notes

For added creaminess, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp

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