Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo is a quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp, garlicky orzo, and bright lemon flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it delivers rich texture and bold taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast it, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the orzo and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
4. Step 4: While the orzo cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in another pan over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink and curled. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Step 5: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice. Fold in the cooked shrimp, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Add a splash of broth if the mixture feels too thick or dry.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sodium chicken stock and rinse the feta to keep the dish from becoming too salty.
• Add a swirl of olive oil or a small pat of butter at the end for extra richness.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting chickpeas for shrimp and using vegetable broth.
• For added greens, stir in fresh spinach just before serving.
• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they should be pink and just curled into a “C” shape.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo and keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they sear nicely.

Is it okay to substitute orzo with another pasta?

You can use small pasta varieties like acini di pepe or small shells, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust according to package instructions.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

This creamy garlic shrimp orzo recipe features tender, perfectly seared shrimp combined with buttery orzo pasta simmered in garlic and lemon-infused chicken stock. Finished with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, it’s a rich, comforting one-pan meal bursting with bold flavors that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)

Orzo and Sauce

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance their texture and flavor.
2. Toast the orzo: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the orzo pasta and toast it, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. This step adds a nutty depth to the orzo.
3. Add garlic and cook: Stir the minced garlic into the toasted orzo and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Simmer the orzo: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the orzo simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Sear the shrimp: While the orzo cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Finish the dish: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Fold in the cooked shrimp, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it to your desired creaminess.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the feta cheese to control saltiness in the dish.
• For extra richness, swirl in a little olive oil or add a pat of butter just before serving.
• To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute shrimp with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Add fresh greens like spinach toward the end for more color and nutrition.
• Be careful not to overcook shrimp; they should be pink and just curled into a “C” shape for the best texture.

Keywords: shrimp orzo, garlic shrimp recipe, creamy orzo pasta, lemon shrimp, one pan dinner, easy weeknight meals, Mediterranean seafood