15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights with tender shrimp and a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water.
- While the orzo cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet with shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if mixture seems dry.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate the 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo immediately for best flavor and texture. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Colander
- Garlic press or fine mincer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Notes
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it appears dry, adding sparingly to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so sauté garlic on medium heat and watch carefully.