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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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