Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo is a one-pan wonder: plump, garlicky shrimp tossed with buttery orzo, a splash of fresh lemon, and a handful of baby spinach for good measure. It’s light but still satisfying, and the orzo soaks up every bit of that lemony, garlicky goodness. This recipe is weeknight gold—fast, flexible, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup dry orzo pasta
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2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood stock)
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3 cups baby spinach (about 3 oz)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Sear the shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast the orzo: Stir the dry orzo into the garlic butter and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly. This adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
Simmer the orzo: Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the spinach & finish: Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the spinach wilt for about 1 minute, then return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Finish with the final tablespoon of butter and Parmesan if using.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm!
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long.
Add the lemon zest right at the end to keep it bright and aromatic.
This dish is excellent served with a glass of chilled white wine or a crisp sparkling water with lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg