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Shrimp Scampi Orzo Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

This Shrimp Scampi Orzo recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with tender orzo pasta simmered in white wine and chicken broth. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, it's a quick and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp (about 1 1/2 pounds peel-on shrimp before peeling)
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 shallots (or ½ medium onion), diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine
  • 1 cup (180g) orzo pasta
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth (may need more)
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop all garlic cloves, dice the shallots or onion, chop the parsley, grate the Parmesan cheese, and juice the lemon. If using peel-on shrimp, peel the shrimp and add the shells to the broth to simmer on very low heat, then strain out and discard the peels.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high to high heat. Cook shrimp in two batches to avoid crowding. Arrange shrimp in a circular pattern, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned on both sides and just cooked through, flipping in order. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  3. Make garlic butter sauce for shrimp: Return all cooked shrimp to the pan briefly, pushing them aside. Add butter and garlic to the center and cook, stirring for about 30 seconds. Toss shrimp with garlic butter, drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle chopped parsley. Set aside.
  4. Cook the orzo: In the same pan, add butter and diced shallots/onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add remaining garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes until evaporated, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Simmer orzo: Add orzo and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed depending on orzo brand and cooking time.
  6. Finish orzo: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble and serve: Place the cooked shrimp on top of the orzo and cook together for 10-20 seconds until warmed through. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful shrimp scampi orzo!

Notes

  • Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best flavor and texture.
  • Simmering shrimp shells in the broth adds extra shrimp flavor to the orzo.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
  • Add extra chicken broth if your orzo requires longer cooking times.
  • Serve with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/shrimp-scampi-orzo-recipe/