Shrimp Scampi Orzo

5 from 1 vote

Shrimp Scampi Orzo is the ultimate 30 minute, one pan dinner. Because truly, what's not to love about succulent shrimp in a garlicky lemon butter sauce with orzo and herbs?

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Low Lactose

Servings:

Author: Jamie Vespa MS, RD

Equipment

12" Skillet

Ingredients

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 lemon, divided
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 Tbsp. butter, divided
1/3 cup minced shallots
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup dry white wine (or broth mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar)
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, the zest of 1 lemon, 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper.
Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium. Once melted, add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a clean bowl.
Add remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 Tbsp. butter to pan, along with shallots, chili flakes, and remaining 3 cloves of sliced garlic. Sauté until aromatic, about 3 minutes. Stir in orzo and allow grains to toast for 1 to 2 minutes. Add white wine (or broth + vinegar mixture) and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce. Season with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Add 2 3/4 cups of water and bring orzo mixture to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until grains are al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes. (It may take longer depending on the strength of your simmer.)
Stir shrimp back into the pan along with half of the fresh herbs. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (from the lemon you zested), a drizzle of olive oil, remaining fresh herbs, and a few grinds of black pepper.

Notes

To Store. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat. I suggest reheating shrimp scampi orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the grains. You can also rewarm individual portions in the microwave. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving once warm to help rewake the flavors.

Nutrition