One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo Recipe
A delightful one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with orzo pasta. This recipe combines the zest of fresh lemon, the warmth of red pepper flakes, and the richness of butter and chicken stock to create a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and freshly zested
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Cooking
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ¼ cups chicken stock
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for spritzing
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toast the Orzo: Heat unsalted butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the orzo and cook while stirring frequently until the orzo turns a slightly golden and toasty color. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cover the skillet. Let the orzo cook until it absorbs the stock and becomes fluffy, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add and Cook the Shrimp: Stir the marinated shrimp into the cooked orzo, then cover the skillet again. Cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish and add a spritz of lemon juice for brightness. Optionally, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter for extra richness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery; shrimp cook quickly and are done when pink and opaque.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a fresh herbal note, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a gluten-free version, replace orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.