Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Large pot for boiling orzo - Large skillet for cooking shrimp - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board - Colander for draining orzo {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Then, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside. This step is key to making your dish tasty and filling. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Then, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gives the shrimp great flavor. Now it's time to mix everything. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked orzo. Toss all these ingredients together until they are well combined and heated through. After that, add 2 cups of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted. Remove the skillet from heat. To finish, garnish with ¼ cup of chopped parsley and more lemon zest if you want. Serve right away and add grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! To get the best taste from your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp, garlic, and lemon make a big difference. I love to add lemon zest. It gives a bright, zesty kick. You can also try different herbs like basil or dill for a twist. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper for flavor without too much heat. No orzo? Use any small pasta like couscous or quinoa. If you can't find fresh spinach, try kale or arugula. Don't have cherry tomatoes? Diced regular tomatoes work too. You can customize this dish to fit what you have. Just keep the main flavors—lemon, garlic, and shrimp—strong, and you'll be set! Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. If possible, purchase shrimp that is still in the shell for maximum freshness. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Be careful not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to hold its shape and texture when mixed with the shrimp and vegetables. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit them entirely. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition in this dish. Add vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers. They add color and crunch. You can also toss in some peas for extra sweetness. These veggies mix well with shrimp and orzo. If you want a different protein, try chicken or scallops. Both options work great with the lemon and garlic flavors. For a vegetarian twist, use chickpeas or tofu instead of shrimp. They absorb the sauce well and add a hearty texture. You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Check the package to make sure it fits your needs. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, keeping the dish just as tasty. Store your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the flavors bright. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, place the orzo in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them thaw evenly. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps prevent excess water in your dish. Lemon garlic shrimp orzo pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli or asparagus - Garlic bread for dipping - A light lemon vinaigrette These options will balance the flavors and add more color to your meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the orzo moist. You can also heat it in a skillet or microwave. Enjoy your delicious meal again! This blog covered how to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. We explored healthy add-ins and ways to adjust spice levels. I shared how to store leftovers safely and even answered common questions. Remember, cooking is fun and you can make this dish your own. Enjoy creating something delicious!$

A flavorful dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta with lemon and garlic.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 whole lemon, zest and juice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the lemon zest and juice, cherry tomatoes, and cooked orzo. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, then remove from heat.
Garnish with chopped parsley and more lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if using.

Notes

Serve immediately for best flavor.

Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp