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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

creamy one-pot lemon garlic shrimp orzo - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and bright lemon garlic flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth, low-sodium recommended
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, without browning.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, pour in 3 cups (720ml) of chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Stir in 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is tender but not mushy.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, juice and zest of 1 large lemon. Mix well to combine and thicken the sauce.
  7. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the orzo mixture. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired.

Notes

If orzo absorbs too much liquid before it’s tender, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a minute or two. Avoid overcooking shrimp by sautéing separately and adding back at the end. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Can substitute almond flour or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version, and coconut cream for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic, creamy, one-pot, easy dinner, quick meal, seafood

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-garlic-shrimp-orzo-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/