Prepare a flavorful shrimp and orzo meal entirely in one skillet for fast cooking and easy cleanup.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The mixture should be creamy.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for about 1 minute.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
If you do not use wine, substitute the 1/2 cup of wine with an equal amount of extra chicken broth.
Stir the orzo often during cooking to prevent sticking and help release starch for a creamier texture.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best flavor.