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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a comforting and elegant dish that combines tender, seared shrimp with a luscious, cheesy orzo pasta infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh spinach. The recipe creates a risotto-like creaminess without the labor-intensive stirring, using toasted orzo and a combination of butter, olive oil, white wine, broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Finished with bright lemon zest and juice, this dish is perfect for a quick 35-minute meal that feels indulgent yet approachable, ideally served with garlic bread and a crisp arugula salad.

Ingredients

Scale

The Protein

  • 1 lb (450g) Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off (21–25 count size recommended), seasoned with salt and paprika

The Pasta & Base

  • 1 ½ cups Orzo pasta (uncooked, no rinsing)
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Shallot, finely diced

The Liquid & Cream

  • ½ cup Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or substitute with extra chicken broth plus 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
  • ½ cup Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1 Lemon, zest and juice

Instructions

  1. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately remove the shrimp to a clean plate to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture.
  2. The Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan. Add the finely diced shallot and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and the dry orzo pasta. Toast the orzo by stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and fragrant, which builds flavor and prevents mushiness.
  3. De-Glaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the shrimp and aromatics. Let the wine reduce by half, around 2 minutes. Add the warm chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender yet al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of water if the dish looks too dry before the orzo is fully cooked.
  4. The Creamy Finish: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach (if using). Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add lemon zest and juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  5. Reunite and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices on the plate back into the skillet. Toss gently just to warm the shrimp through without overcooking. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use large shrimp (21-25 count) for meaty texture that stands out against the orzo.
  • Do not rinse the orzo to preserve surface starch that helps create the creamy sauce.
  • Toast the orzo before adding liquid to enhance nuttiness and prevent mushiness.
  • Always sear shrimp separately and add back at the end to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Stir the orzo occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking or burning.
  • For alcohol-free version, substitute wine with extra broth plus lemon juice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add liquid when reheating to loosen consistency.
  • Freezing not recommended due to cream sauce texture changes.
  • Optional variations include swapping shrimp for scallops, adding sun-dried tomatoes for a rosé sauce, or including vegetables like asparagus or peas for more nutrition.

Keywords: shrimp orzo, creamy shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp orzo, creamy garlic shrimp, easy seafood dinner, one-pot pasta, quick dinner recipe, Italian seafood pasta, lemon shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-orzo-recipe/