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Quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo

lemon garlic shrimp with orzo - featured image
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A bright, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal featuring garlicky shrimp, lemon, capers, cherry tomatoes, and orzo pasta, ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water, then pat dry. Mince 4 large garlic cloves, halve 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, zest and juice 1 medium lemon, and chop a handful of fresh parsley. Set everything nearby for easy access.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 1 cup (170g) orzo and toast it lightly, stirring often for 2-3 minutes until it starts to look glossy and smells nutty.
  4. Carefully pour 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the orzo simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. The liquid should mostly absorb, and the orzo should be tender but still slightly firm.
  5. Push the orzo to one side of the pan. Add the shrimp in a single layer on the cleared side. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes while cooking.
  6. Mix the halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons drained capers into the orzo and shrimp. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest on top. Stir gently to combine and warm everything through for 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Toast the orzo before simmering for nuttier flavor. Use fresh lemon zest for best brightness. Capers are salty, so season with salt gradually. Stir gently to keep shrimp intact and tomatoes from becoming mushy. If orzo looks dry before tender, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, orzo, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, one-pan meal, capers, cherry tomatoes, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/quick-lemon-garlic-shrimp-with-orzo-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-idea/