Shrimp Scampi Orzo: Easy One-Pot Dinner (Print Version)

Shrimp Scampi Orzo is a quick, flavorful one-pot main course. Tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and orzo pasta cook together for an effortless weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American

# Ingredients:

→ The Aromatic Base

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

→ The Hearty Core

05 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
06 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
07 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ The Bright Finish

10 - 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
11 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
13 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
02 - Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside. This quick sear is key for tender shrimp in your Shrimp Scampi Orzo.
03 - Pour 1/2 cup dry white wine into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. This builds depth for your one-pot main course.
04 - Stir in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 whole lemon, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until everything is well combined and heated through for your Shrimp Scampi Orzo: Easy One-Pot Main Course.
06 - Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste. Serve your Shrimp Scampi Orzo: Easy One-Pot Main Course immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

# Notes:

01 - For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the 1/2 cup dry white wine with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
02 - Leftover Shrimp Scampi Orzo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
03 - To prevent rubbery shrimp, ensure you only cook them briefly at the beginning until just pink, then add them back at the very end to warm through.
04 - Serve this comforting one-pot meal with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious scampi sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - Cutting board
03 - Chef's knife
04 - Measuring cups
05 - Measuring spoons
06 - Grater
07 - Citrus juicer/zester

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 542 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
Protein: 35 g

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