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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe Easy 20-Minute Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, combined with al dente orzo and fresh cherry tomatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Halve the cherry tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. Measure out the orzo, broth, and butter so everything’s ready to go.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the dry orzo and stir to coat in the garlic butter. Then add the 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring once to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Let the orzo simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until tender but still firm (al dente). Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
  6. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked shrimp. Cook together for another 2 minutes to warm the shrimp and soften tomatoes slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure proper searing. Add garlic after shrimp to avoid burning. Stir orzo gently and monitor liquid to prevent sticking. Adding shrimp back at the end keeps them tender. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, garlic butter, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, one-pan, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-orzo-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes/