Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Orzo
A fast and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter paired with creamy orzo pasta, ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners that feel indulgent without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional pinch
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender but still slightly firm. Drain any excess liquid if needed, reserving some broth to loosen the orzo later.
- While the orzo cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet with garlic butter. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until cheese melts and orzo is creamy. Add reserved broth or water if mixture is too thick.
- Return shrimp to skillet and toss gently with creamy orzo. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy. Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and melting. You can cook orzo directly in the skillet for fewer dishes. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or couscous and adjust cooking times accordingly. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, creamy orzo, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seafood pasta, garlic shrimp, creamy pasta