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Shrimp Orzo In Lemon Garlic Sauce

Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce for a Quick Dinner Delight

Shrimp Orzo in Lemon Garlic Sauce offers a quick, flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp and Pasta
  • 1 pound shrimp sweet and tender; can substitute with chicken or tofu
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta small, rice-shaped pasta
For the Flavor Base
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest fresh is preferred
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is preferred
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1/2 cup white wine optional; substitute with additional chicken broth
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste salt for seasoning
  • to taste black pepper for seasoning
For the Greens
  • 4 cups baby spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard
For the Finish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, then drain and keep warm.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add Liquids and Zest: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine; simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Season the Sauce: Add crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper; simmer for another minute.
  6. Combine Orzo and Spinach: Add drained orzo and spinach to the skillet; mix and let spinach wilt for about 1 minute.
  7. Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
  9. Serve with Lemon Wedges: Enjoy your dish warm, adding lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth.

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