Description
This Orzo Pasta with Shrimp recipe is a delicious and vibrant dish combining tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and a touch of heat, served atop perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. The blend of citrus brightness, savory flavors, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 16-20 shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Orzo Pasta:
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce & Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the orzo pasta. Cook the orzo for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the orzo, reserving about ½ cup of the broth to add back later for flavor, and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink, opaque, and cooked through. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce & Combine: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the cooked orzo and reserved broth to the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through. Toss in fresh basil, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using), mixing until everything is well coated and the cheese begins to melt.
- Final Assembly: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the orzo and tomatoes. Gently toss to evenly distribute and warm the shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Serve the orzo pasta with shrimp in bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh basil, parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the shrimp while cooking.
- For a creamy version, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese before adding shrimp back.
- Vegetarian variation: Replace shrimp with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- To make it spicy, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the sauce.
- Reserve some cooking broth from the orzo to enhance flavor and moisture in the finished dish.
