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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Wonder

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A quick and flavorful dish of tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon, cooked in a bed of creamy orzo pasta with Parmesan and fresh spinach. Perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add orzo pasta and stir to coat. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo starts to absorb moisture. Add heavy cream and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until orzo is al dente and mixture is creamy. Fold in cooked shrimp, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss with spinach leaves until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add extra spinach for a heartier dish. The recipe can be halved for smaller portions. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2-3 days.