Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo🍖 Main

This comforting single-skillet dish features succulent shrimp paired with incredibly silky, luscious orzo pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes! Effortless preparation, absolutely delicious results.

By Marcus Rivera, Kitchen Tips Editor

Shared by the Home Cook Assistant community ยท Reviewed for clarity

Prep: 20 minCook: 20 minServes: 4
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There is a quiet confidence to a dish like garlic butter shrimp and orzo that comes from knowing every element has a purpose. This is not just another variation on a familiar idea. It is a well balanced plate where 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined come together in a way that feels both comforting and intentional, the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel a little more cared for. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something made with attention, this recipe rewards you with layers of flavor that belie how approachable it really is.

You will want to pay attention to two small details that make a big difference here. First, Let your oven fully preheat and position the rack in the center. An accurate temperature matters more than the timer, so trust visual cues like bubbling edges and golden tops over the clock alone. Second, Keep your simmer truly gentle, with only occasional bubbles breaking the surface. A hard boil will toughen proteins and cloud your broth, while a lazy simmer keeps everything tender and clear. These are not fussy chef tricks. They are the practical habits that separate a good version of this dish from a great one, and once you do them a few times they become second nature.

Pair it with a simple side that soaks up the extra sauce. Crusty bread, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles all work, and a crisp green salad on the side keeps the plate balanced without adding work. If this is your first time with garlic butter shrimp and orzo, this comforting single-skillet dish features succulent shrimp paired with incredibly silky, luscious orzo pasta. ready i that the process is forgiving and the results are consistently satisfying. It is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation, not because it is complicated, but because it is reliably delicious and adaptable to what you have on hand.

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Ingredients

    For the Shrimp

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

    For the Orzo

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 large shallots, diced
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/3 cup dry white wine
    • 3 cups chicken stock, or more as needed
    • 1 cup orzo pasta
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

    Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*

    485
    Calories
    37g
    Protein
    35g
    Carbs
    20g
    Fat
    2g
    Fiber
    850mg
    Sodium

    * AI-estimated values only โ€” not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

    Instructions

      Cook the Shrimp

      1. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, add shrimp and garlic; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
      2. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice; set aside and keep warm.

      Prepare the Orzo

      1. Melt butter in the Dutch oven. Add garlic and shallots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 minutes.
      2. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
      3. Stir in wine and chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in orzo; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
      4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through, about 6 minutes. If the orzo is too thick, add more chicken stock as needed until desired consistency is reached.

      Combine and Finish

      1. Stir in Parmesan, heavy cream, lemon juice, parsley and dill; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Return shrimp to the Dutch oven.
      2. Serve immediately.

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