Easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo for Weeknights (Print Version)
Whip up this easy one-pot shrimp scampi orzo for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender shrimp, garlic, lemon, and pasta cook together perfectly.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ Aromatic Scampi Start
01 -
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
02 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
05 -
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
06 -
1 whole lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tbsp juice)
→ One-Pot Orzo Core
07 -
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
08 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
1 tsp kosher salt
10 -
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Succulent Shrimp & Bright Finish
11 -
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
13 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
02 -
Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and the zest and juice from 1 whole lemon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. This forms the flavorful base of your Easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo.
03 -
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
04 -
Stir in 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cover and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to ensure a tender texture for your Easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo.
05 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Let the Easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo rest for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
06 -
Ladle the Easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and quick one-pot meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
03 -
If you don't have dry white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth, adding a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
04 -
Serve this delicious orzo with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce, and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Pot or Dutch Oven
02 -
Cutting Board
03 -
Chef's Knife
04 -
Measuring Cups
05 -
Measuring Spoons
06 -
Wooden Spoon or Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
Protein: 33 g