Weeknight • Seafood
Weeknight Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo
Plump shrimp swimming in a savory garlic butter sauce, served over tender orzo for a quick and elegant meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Sometimes you want a dish that feels a little fancy but comes together in a flash, and this Weeknight Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo is exactly that! Marinated shrimp quickly cook up in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, served over delicate orzo for a truly irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Start by cooking the orzo: bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 4
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Pour in the white wine or broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Step 6
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7
Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately over the cooked orzo. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp; they cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover delicious sauce!
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