Shrimp Scampi Orzo

This one pot shrimp orzo dish is made with a garlic buttery white wine sauce, small bursts of lemon zest and cooked with juicy shrimp. Flavor packed, effortless and from the stovetop to table in 30 minutes.

I told my husband, “this could very likely be the recipe that makes me famous.” I created this on a random Thursday night and was beyond thrilled with the results.

I made a Chicken Parmesan Orzo a few months back so used that recipe as inspiration. Besides it’s amazing flavor, the best part is that it is an easy weeknight meal with minimal clean-up. Who wants to spend their weeknights cooking AND cleaning? Not me.

I used a 16 ounce bag of large deveined shrimp. Use any size of shrimp you would like, but I would definitely make a pound of it. Make sure to thaw the shrimp before adding if you are using frozen. I also removed the tails before nestling them into the orzo. Personal preference so feel free to leave them on if you’d like.

I hope you all love this recipe as much as I did. Enjoy!

Shrimp Scampi Orzo

This one pot shrimp orzo dish is made with a garlic buttery white wine sauce, small bursts of lemon zest and cooked with juicy shrimp. Flavor packed, effortless and from the stovetop to table in 30 minutes.

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Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 12-16 oz thawed, deveined and peeled shrimp
• salt and pepper
• pinch red pepper flakes
• zest from one lemon
• 2 tbsp minced garlic (divided)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 shallot, diced
• ¼ cup white wine
• 16 oz orzo
• 5 cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Combine shrimp, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest and 1 tbsp garlic to a boil. Stir and set aside to marinate.Season again with salt, pepper and optional fresh lemon juice squeeze (per preference). Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with leafy salad and crusty 

  Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until translucent and softened (about 5 minutes). Add remaining 1 tbsp garlic and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds. 

  Add the white wine to deglaze pan. Then, add the orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast. Add the broth gradually and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer until all of the broth is absorbed, making sure to stir frequently so Orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan and burn. 

  When broth is absorbed and orzo is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and cheese until melted and warmed through. Nestle in the shrimp pieces. Cover again and let simmer for 5-6 minutes, until shrimp is pink. 

Keyword onepot meal, orzo, scampi, shrimp, weeknight dinner