Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

A bowl of garlic butter shrimp orzo on a marble counter with fresh parsley and lemon — Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo – the ultimate weeknight pasta, creamy and full of flavor in every bite.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something quick, cozy, and a little indulgent. This flavorful one-pan meal brings together tender shrimp, garlicky butter, lemon zest, and perfectly cooked orzo—every bite is light yet satisfying. Even better? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.

This dish has everything: a rich scampi-style sauce, hints of white wine, a touch of spice, and the creamy finish of Parmesan stirred right into the pasta. It’s a dinner that feels elegant but requires zero fuss. Just a few pantry ingredients, one skillet, and a bit of zest and love.

Did you know? Orzo is actually a pasta, not a grain. Its name means “barley” in Italian because of its shape—but unlike rice, it absorbs flavor like a sponge. That’s why it works so well with this buttery lemon garlic base.

Make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo once, and it might just become your favorite new pasta dish.

Recipe Yield: 3 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup orzo pasta
½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup dry white wine
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque and lightly golden. Remove to a plate and set aside.

2. Build the flavor base:
In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

3. Toast the orzo:
Add orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast. This deepens the flavor and keeps the texture perfect.

4. Simmer and cook:
Pour in chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 9–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Finish and serve:
Turn off the heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, 2 tbsp butter, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Add the cooked shrimp back in and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use Fresh Shrimp for Best Texture:
Fresh or flash-frozen shrimp (thawed before cooking) yield the juiciest, most flavorful results. Avoid overcooking—shrimp should just turn opaque.
Toast the Orzo First:
Briefly toasting the orzo in the pan before adding broth boosts flavor and helps prevent mushy texture. It’s a game-changer for pasta-based dishes!
Balance with Brightness:
Lemon juice and zest not only add flavor, they balance the rich butter and Parmesan beautifully. Don’t skip it!

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