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For this dish, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving These main ingredients create a rich and flavorful base. The shrimp brings protein, while the orzo pasta gives a nice texture. Garlic and butter work together to create a lovely sauce. Lemon adds brightness, and parsley finishes the dish with freshness. You can add extra ingredients to enhance the taste: - Fresh basil for a sweet touch - A splash of white wine for depth - Grated Parmesan cheese for richness - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness These additions can elevate the dish even more. Fresh herbs will brighten the flavors, while wine adds a nice depth. Cheese gives a creamy finish, and tomatoes add a juicy burst. If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use shrimp alternatives like chicken or scallops - Swap orzo for rice or quinoa for a different texture - Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish These substitutions keep the dish adaptable. You can still enjoy great flavor even with changes. Adjust based on what you have in your kitchen, and enjoy cooking! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo as per the package's instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it's cooked, drain the orzo in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. If you like heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes too. Sauté this mix for about 1 minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned. Now, carefully add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, then add the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir gently and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Next, add the drained orzo to the skillet. Toss everything well, coating the orzo and shrimp with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat it through. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi orzo immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Enjoy! To cook shrimp perfectly, start with large, fresh shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding butter. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this makes shrimp tough. Always season with salt and pepper for better taste. You can boost flavor by adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Fresh lemon zest adds a bright kick. Try adding some cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also elevate the dish. A splash of white wine will give it a gourmet touch. Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp. This can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Make sure the garlic does not brown; it can turn bitter. Also, remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Finally, don’t skip the fresh parsley; it adds freshness to each bite. {{image_4}} To add heat to your dish, use red pepper flakes. You can start with one teaspoon. If you want more spice, add a bit more. The heat pairs well with the garlic and butter. Adjust it to your taste. This change makes the dish vibrant and lively. You can easily add veggies to this dish. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini work great. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp. This adds color and nutrients. Plus, it makes the meal more filling. If you prefer chicken, swap shrimp for chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden. For scallops, use large ones. They cook quickly and taste amazing. Both options keep the dish just as tasty. Store any leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi orzo in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your dish soggy. Leftovers will last for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the orzo in a bowl with a splash of broth or water. Heat for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even warmth. If using a skillet, add the orzo and a little broth. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until hot. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. To freeze your garlic butter shrimp scampi orzo, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a delicious meal that tastes fresh! The best shrimp for this recipe is large shrimp. I recommend using wild-caught shrimp if possible. They have a sweeter flavor and better texture. Fresh shrimp brings the best taste. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure you thaw them properly before cooking. You can make this dish ahead of time. However, I suggest cooking the orzo and shrimp close to serving time. If you prepare it early, the orzo may absorb too much sauce. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. To make this dish gluten-free, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. All other ingredients in the recipe are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavor while meeting dietary needs. You learned about making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo in this post. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips for perfect results. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is tasty and easy, perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking journey with this simple recipe and make it your own with added flavors. You will impress everyone at the table!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo! This quick and delicious recipe combines juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and zesty lemon for a mouthwatering meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress. Follow our simple steps and savor every bite. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and set it aside.

    In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add in the minced garlic and, if desired, the red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful shade of pink and are opaque throughout.

        Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Add the drained orzo to the skillet, tossing it well with the shrimp and sauce to ensure every bite is coated with delicious flavor. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring it is heated through.

            Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.

              Serve the scampi orzo immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4