Are you looking for a recipe that combines ease, elegance, and exceptional flavor? Many home cooks struggle to find a dish that’s quick to prepare but still feels special enough for date nights or entertaining guests.
Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is the solution, offering a satisfying one-pan meal packed with the tangy zest of lemon, creamy orzo, and tender shrimp in a garlic-infused scampi sauce.
This recipe has been perfected for both simplicity and taste, delivering a rich, restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes.
Dive in to discover how to create this delectable meal, along with variations and tips to customize it for your preferences.
Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (fresh preferred, or frozen shrimp properly thawed; tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest + 1 tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup orzo
- ⅓ cup dry white wine e.g., Chardonnay
- 2 cups boiling water seafood stock, or chicken stock
- 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
Prepare the Orzo Base:
- In a medium skillet, heat butter and the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Deglaze and Simmer:
- Carefully pour in the white wine (it will bubble) and stir until mostly absorbed, about 1 minute. Stir in the boiling water or stock, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let cook until the orzo is al dente, about 12-16 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Arrange the shrimp in a snug, even layer on top of the orzo. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 2 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
- Mix in the lemon juice, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if desired for a stronger citrus flavor. Sprinkle parsley or chives over the top to garnish. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in fresh spinach, peas, or asparagus during the final steps for added nutrients and color.
- Gluten-Free: Swap orzo with a gluten-free pasta option or short-grain rice.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil in place of butter and omit the Parmesan cheese. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or more broth.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock plus a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Whole-Grain Pasta: For added fiber, opt for whole-grain orzo or a similar whole-grain pasta substitute.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Mix in fresh spinach, peas, or asparagus during the final steps for added nutrients and color.
- Gluten-Free: Swap orzo with a gluten-free pasta option or short-grain rice.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil in place of butter and omit the Parmesan cheese. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or more broth.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock plus a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~300 | Protein: ~21g | Carbohydrates: ~33g | Fat: ~8g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients used.
Tips for Success:
- Toast the orzo until golden brown for a nutty flavor.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste; frozen shrimp can also work if thawed properly.
- Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking to the pan.
- Taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to your preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is a perfect balance of flavors: the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, the aromatic depth of garlic, and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal—easy to cook and clean up!
Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and share your experience with friends and family!