Print

Flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Creamy Orzo and Peas

lemon garlic shrimp recipe - featured image

A quick and easy dish featuring tender lemon garlic shrimp paired with creamy orzo and sweet peas, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (about 6.35 oz)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess broth if needed, then stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup Parmesan until creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: While orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic & Peas: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peas and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Combine & Finish: Return shrimp to skillet with garlic and peas. Pour in lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat shrimp and peas in buttery lemon garlic sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Spoon creamy orzo onto plates and top with lemon garlic shrimp and peas. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture. Use pasta water magic by adding reserved cooking liquid to orzo if it seems dry. Add garlic to melted butter and cook only until fragrant to prevent bitterness. Season gradually for layered flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, creamy orzo, peas, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, seafood pasta