Description
This vibrant Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Orzo Bowl combines tender, juicy shrimp with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners, offering a delightful balance of citrus brightness and savory garlic with optional creamy feta cheese to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 pound orzo pasta
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ons
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to package instructions, usually boiling it in salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo well and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped dill, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for one minute to meld the flavors.
- Toss Orzo in Sauce: Add the cooked orzo pasta back into the skillet with the sauce mixture along with halved cherry tomatoes for added freshness and color. Toss everything together until the orzo is fully coated in the lemon garlic herb sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Orzo: Fold the cooked shrimp gently into the orzo mixture, allowing them to warm through for about one minute over medium heat.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and orzo bowl hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired, for a burst of creamy, tangy flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid toughness.
- Halved cherry tomatoes add a nice sweetness and color contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy taste; omit for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
- For a low carb version, substitute orzo with cauliflower rice but adjust cook times accordingly.
