Creamy garlic shrimp orzo is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp, creamy orzo pasta, and a flavorful garlic-infused sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to make and packed with a delicious combination of buttery shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Creamy: The velvety garlic sauce pairs perfectly with shrimp and orzo.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or swap proteins.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: A gourmet meal made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Orzo pasta
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken broth (or seafood broth)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Return the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and stir to combine.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in fresh lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a side of crusty bread if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Gouda for a different flavor.
- Protein Options: Substitute shrimp with scallops, chicken, or salmon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp before cooking for the best texture.
Can I substitute the orzo with another pasta?
Yes, small pasta like ditalini or couscous works well, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add extra broth or cream if needed while reheating.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors well.
Can I add mushrooms to this dish?
Yes, sauté mushrooms before adding the orzo for extra depth of flavor.
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked—avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp orzo?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add it at the end just to warm it up, as overcooking can make it tough.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic shrimp orzo is a rich, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked orzo, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Try it with different variations and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal any night of the week!
Print
This creamy garlic shrimp orzo is a luxurious one-pan meal packed with tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and rich flavors. Perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt butter and cook shrimp with garlic for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- Add tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking until softened. Pour in broth and let simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, then return shrimp and orzo to the pan.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with chicken for a variation.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.