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When making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juice and zest) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The orzo is the base, providing a comforting texture. The shrimp adds protein and flavor, while the garlic and lemon create a bright taste. Use fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you like cheese, feta gives a creamy touch. Feel free to mix things up. Try adding more veggies or different herbs. The beauty of this dish is how you can customize it to your taste. Each ingredient adds to the overall deliciousness of your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook orzo pasta correctly, start with a large pot of salted boiling water. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook it for about 8-10 minutes. Follow the package instructions for exact times. You want the orzo to be al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. To achieve this texture, test the orzo a minute or two before the time is up. Drain the orzo and save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Now, let’s sauté the shrimp. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells great but is not brown. Next, add 1 pound of medium shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Now, it's time to combine everything. In the skillet with the shrimp, add the cooked orzo, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently. This helps the flavors mix well and ensures every bite is tasty. Make sure everything is heated through before serving. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. If you want, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo! To boost flavor, use fresh garlic and lemon. I love using minced garlic for its strong taste. Sauté garlic in olive oil until it smells great. Add lemon juice and zest for a bright kick. You can also adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, then add more if you like heat. Serving is key for a great meal. Use a large, shallow bowl for the orzo. This gives it space to shine. Add extra parsley for a fresh touch. Lemon wedges on the side make it pop. They also let guests add more zing! Sauté shrimp with care. Ensure your skillet is hot, but not too hot. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. When you drain orzo, save some pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps mix everything well. It’s a secret trick for creamy dishes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp if available. Frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the Heat: The amount of red pepper flakes can be tailored to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if you like a spicier dish. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps to create a creamy sauce when combined with the other ingredients. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful touch to your dish presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp for chicken or veggies. Chicken works great, adding a nice flavor. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it until it's no longer pink. For veggies, try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These add color and crunch. You can also change the pasta. While orzo is perfect, you can use penne, fusilli, or even rice. Each type brings a new feel to the dish. Just follow the cooking times on the package for best results. Consider adding other herbs to boost flavor. Basil and thyme are great choices. They add depth and freshness. Simply chop them finely and stir them in at the end. Spices can also change the taste. A pinch of smoked paprika will add warmth. Cumin can bring earthiness. Experiment with what you love. Just start with a little, taste, and adjust as needed. This way, you can create your unique version of lemon garlic shrimp orzo! To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo fresh, let it cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. This dish stays good for up to three days. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo for up to three months. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, your dish stays tasty and flavorful. You can keep leftovers of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you notice any odd smell or change in color, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo ahead of time! To meal prep, cook the orzo and shrimp as directed. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them together in a skillet. This way, the shrimp won’t get overcooked. To make a full meal, you can pair this dish with a light salad or steamed veggies. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. These pairings bring out the dish’s bright flavors. In this article, we covered the tasty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for making it perfect. I shared variations and storage tips to help you enjoy leftovers. This dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a great choice for any meal. Try it out, and adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so enjoy every step along the way!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A bright and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and orzo pasta with lemon and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 4 fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 4 feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Add the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  • If using, sprinkle feta cheese over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, pasta, shrimp