Description
A delicious and easy-to-make lemon garlic shrimp with spinach orzo dish that transforms dinner into a delightful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood stock)
- 3 cups baby spinach (about 3 oz)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir the dry orzo into the garlic butter and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, but the orzo may absorb more liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg