Description
This One-Pot Shrimp Orzo is a quick and flavorful seafood pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp cooked with garlic and olive oil combine with perfectly simmered orzo in a savory chicken broth, finished with fresh parsley and a bright splash of lemon juice for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until it is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or skip the protein and use vegetable broth.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to maintain a tender texture; they cook quickly.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure orzo is stirred occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
