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- 8 oz orzo pasta - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juiced and zested) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is simple yet full of flavor. You start with orzo pasta. It cooks quickly and has a nice texture. I love using shrimp because it cooks fast and tastes amazing. You want fresh shrimp, so look for pink ones that smell like the sea. Garlic adds a strong taste that blends well with the lemon. For the extra ingredients, I like juicy cherry tomatoes. They burst with flavor in the heat. Spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition. Lemon juice and zest bring brightness to the dish. When it comes to seasoning, I always use olive oil. It adds richness without being heavy. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end. It’s all about balance and freshness in this dish. Each ingredient plays a role. Enjoy the process of cooking this tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. - Add 8 oz of orzo pasta and cook until al dente. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. - Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. - Season with salt and pepper. - Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turns pink and opaque. - Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. - Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells fragrant. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. - Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach and cook until wilted. - Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing well. - Pour in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. - Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to mix everything together. - Fold the cooked shrimp back into the mixture. - Heat through for another minute. - Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. To cook shrimp just right, watch for a few signs. Fresh shrimp turns pink and opaque when they’re done. They should curl slightly but not be tight. If they are rubbery, you cooked them too long. Common mistakes to avoid include overcooking and not seasoning enough. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking. This simple step adds great flavor. To boost flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or red pepper flakes. Herbs like basil or dill also work well. They add depth and freshness to the dish. Balancing acidity with lemon is key. The lemon juice brightens flavors. Use the zest for an extra punch. This adds a lovely aroma and taste. To avoid mushy pasta, always cook orzo until al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it. Stir the orzo while it cooks, so it doesn’t stick together. When to drain orzo? Drain it right after cooking. Reserve some pasta water to help mix everything later. This water adds starch, which helps the sauce cling to the orzo. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Reserved Pasta Water: Don't forget to reserve pasta water; it helps to create a creamy sauce and enhances flavor. Customize Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest before serving. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the shrimp, you have options. You can use chicken breast, cut into small pieces. Cook it the same way as shrimp. For a seafood twist, try scallops or crab meat. Both add a nice flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, chickpeas work well. They add protein and texture. Tofu is another great choice. Use firm tofu and sauté until crispy for more flavor. You can add many vegetables to this dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus mix well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them with garlic for a tasty addition. Seasonal veggies also work great. In spring, add peas or snap peas. During summer, fresh corn and green beans shine. These add color and crunch to your meal. To switch up the citrus flavor, use limes or oranges. They add a different zest to the dish. If you want a bit of spice, consider red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can bring a nice kick. Another option is to add fresh herbs. Basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite mix. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This will help retain its taste and texture. Place the container in the fridge. It can stay good for up to three days. For best results, avoid mixing in any extra sauce until you reheat. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it along. In the fridge, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo lasts about three days. Look for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it is time to toss it. Fresh food should always look bright and smell good. If you see mold or an off texture, don’t eat it. Always trust your senses! You can pair Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works well. Grilled vegetables also make a great side. For drinks, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the lemon and shrimp flavors nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon fits perfectly. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the orzo and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can mix them with veggies and lemon juice before serving. If you make it the night before, just reheat gently. Use medium heat to warm it up on the stove. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Orzo is not gluten-free as it is made from wheat. However, there are gluten-free orzo options available. Look for brands that use rice or corn flour. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa or rice. Both options work well in this recipe and keep the dish tasty. In this post, we explored the vibrant Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, orzo, and garlic. I shared step-by-step cooking methods and tips for perfect results. You can mix in different proteins and veggies for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this dish your own with personal touches!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring shrimp, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the orzo and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and mix well.
  • Pour in the lemon juice and zest and add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the ingredients combine. Toss everything together, ensuring the orzo and vegetables are well mixed.
  • Fold the cooked shrimp back into the mixture and heat through for another minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add other vegetables.
Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp