Quick, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Shrimp Scampi Orzo is your new weeknight dinner hero. Juicy, seasoned shrimp? Check. Garlicky orzo that's soft and saucy like risotto but way less needy? Check. And best of all, it's done in under 25 minutes, with just one pot and barely any cleanup. (Translation: more time for dessert. Or doing absolutely nothing.)
Inspired by the highly rated NY Times recipe for Shrimp Scampi Orzo, but I gave it a cozy twist and made it just a little more weeknight-friendly. It's become a family favorite around here, and once you taste that luscious orzo, you'll see why.
If you like one-pot meals, check out my One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken & Rice! I love to serve this dish with green beans to add some color. If orzo is your jam, then you can't go wrong with my Quick and Juicy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta or my Delicious Greek Chicken Orzo Bake!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One pot, zero fuss - Less cleanup, more time to chill.
Fast & flavorful - On the table in under 30, packed with garlic, lemon, and cheesy goodness.
Creamy or light-your call - Add heavy cream for risotto vibes, or keep it fresh and simple.
Shrimp for the win - Lean, protein-packed, and kid-approved.
Customizable - Toss in veg, swap the cheese, make it yours.
If you love shrimp, you should also try my Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe inspired by Din Tai Fung!
Shrimp Scampi Orzo Video
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Shrimp Scampi Orzo Ingredients
Full recipe and instruction in the recipe card at the end of the post
Shrimp - High protein, low fuss. Tossed with garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, and salt.
Orzo - The tiny pasta that slurps up all the garlicky, lemony sauce.
Seasonings - Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, red chili flakes, and fresh parsley for a hit of color.
Lemon - Zest + juice = instant brightness.
Fresh Garlic - Because garlic is life.
Parmesan & Cream - Nutty, rich, and oh-so-creamy.
Dry White Wine - Optional, but adds depth.
Instructions
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of the post
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry, toss with seasonings.
- Step 2: Sear in olive oil, 45 seconds per side; set aside.
- Step 3: Melt butter with olive oil, cook shallots 2-3 minutes, add garlic 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Stir orzo into pan, cook 3 minutes until lightly golden. Deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, seasonings, and tomatoes; cook 9-12 minutes until tender.
- Step 6: Stir in parmesan and cream, simmer 3 minutes, add shrimp back in and garnish with parsley.
FAQ
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
You can use any small pasta like ditalini.
Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter alternative and omit the heavy cream. You can also use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
⭐️ Recipe
One Pot Garlic & Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 ½ lbs shrimp
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the orzo
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ cups orzo
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional
- ¼ cup parsley - minced
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
Shrimp
- Clean your shrimp and pat dry. Add all your seasonings to your shrimp.1 ½ lbs shrimp, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add in half the shrimp and cook for 45 seconds per side. Repeat with the remainder of the shrimp. Set the shrimp aside.2 tablespoon olive oil
Orzo
- Turn the heat to medium and add in the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add your diced shallots. You can also use white or yellow onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until aromatic. Add in the crushed garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon butter, 1 shallot, 4-6 cloves garlic
- Add in the orzo and toast for 3 minutes.1 ½ cups orzo
- Deglaze the pan with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.¼ cup dry white wine
- Add your chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and seasonings. Simmer on medium-low for 9-10 minutes or until al dente. If you like your orzo softer, cook for 10-12 minutes or until your desired doneness.3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper - to taste, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Turn the heat to low. Add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if you are using heavy cream). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add the shrimp back in.¼ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup heavy cream
- Remove from the heat and top with fresh parsley.¼ cup parsley - minced
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!