Description
A creamy, bright, restaurant-style skillet dish featuring lemon, butter, garlic, and shrimp, served with orzo for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp, pat dry and set aside. Zest and juice lemon, mince garlic, and chop parsley. Measure out orzo, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, butter, olive oil, and seasonings.
- Season and sear the shrimp: Toss shrimp with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat skillet over medium-high and add olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Build the flavor base: Lower heat, add remaining butter to skillet, and sauté garlic until fragrant (30–45 seconds).
- Toast the orzo and add liquids: Add orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer until the orzo absorbs liquid: Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo swells and most liquid is absorbed (8–10 minutes).
- Finish creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until creamy (1–2 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return shrimp and serve: Add shrimp back to skillet, toss to combine and warm through. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Notes
Best served warm with crusty bread or a complimentary salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp, lemon, creamy orzo, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner