Weeknight • Seafood
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Spinach Orzo
Succulent shrimp and tender orzo come together in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with fresh spinach.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When hunger strikes and time is short, this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Spinach Orzo is your culinary superhero! It’s an incredibly flavorful one-pan-ish meal that features plump, juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and vibrant spinach all swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Super quick and utterly delicious, it’s a dish that definitely earns a spot in your weekly rotation. You're going to love how easy and satisfying it is!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine OR additional 1/2 cup broth (optional)
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. This adds a nice nutty flavor.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken/vegetable broth and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5
Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Cook just until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through.
Step 7
Serve immediately.
Tips
- To prevent overcooked shrimp, cook them just until pink, then remove and add back at the very end.
- If you don't have white wine, simply use an additional 1/2 cup of broth or water.
- A touch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick to the garlic butter sauce.
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