Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe – Easy One-Pan Dinner!

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe is your answer! It’s packed with juicy, garlicky shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and a buttery sauce that ties everything together in a comforting one-pan meal. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

I love meals that are simple yet feel gourmet, and this recipe is exactly that. The combination of succulent shrimp with the nutty flavor of orzo and a rich garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for a special someone, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce adds a depth of flavor that’s simply delicious.
• Perfectly Balanced: Shrimp, orzo, and a light butter sauce create a satisfying yet not overly heavy dish.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the comforting flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to different diets and preferences.

Equipment Needed

To make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board for prepping ingredients
• Tongs for flipping shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups (180g) orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped

Substitution Tips

• Shrimp Alternative: If you don’t eat shrimp, use diced chicken breast or tofu.
• Orzo Substitute: You can use small pasta like ditalini or couscous.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for vegan butter and omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

2. Toast the Orzo

1. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances its nutty flavor.

3. Simmer the Orzo

1. Pour in chicken broth and water, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Finish the Dish

1. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
2. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the pan once they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Stir the Orzo Frequently: This prevents it from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Broth as Needed: If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth to keep it creamy.

Variations

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace orzo with cauliflower rice. Reduce the broth and simmer until tender.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Serving Ideas

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe pairs beautifully with:

• A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
• Garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run them under cold water for a few minutes before cooking.

2. What if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute it with small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even rice. Adjust liquid as needed.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. How do I reheat this dish?

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for olive oil or dairy-free butter and omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Concluding Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe is a weeknight winner that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking for a cozy, one-pan meal, this dish is sure to be a favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your dietary needs and preferences.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—it’s too good not to spread the love!

Print Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe – Easy One-Pan Dinner!

Author: Olivia Bennett Courses: Quick and easy

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter

Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce and combined with perfectly cooked orzo for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or when you’re craving a gourmet meal with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups (180g) orzo pasta

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken broth

• ¹⁄₂ cup (120ml) water

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

   • Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the shrimp, season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
   • Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
   Mark as complete

1. Toast the Orzo

    

   1. In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   2. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This enhances its nutty flavor.
   Mark as complete

1. Simmer the Orzo

    

   1. Pour in chicken broth and water, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
   2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   Mark as complete

1. Finish the Dish

    

   1. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
   2. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
   3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 ServingCalories:450kcalTotal Fat:14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol:220mgSodium:750mgPotassium:340mgTotal Carbohydrate:48gDietary Fiber: 3gSugars: 2gProtein:32g

Note

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the pan once they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Stir the Orzo Frequently: This prevents it from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Broth as Needed: If the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly, add a splash more broth to keep it creamy.

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