Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already prepared. Mince the garlic cloves finely, zest and juice the lemon.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta, stirring well. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Add fresh herbs and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Seafood, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Healthy, Nutritious
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
