Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, this One Pot Garlic & Shrimp Orzo is the perfect weeknight dinner. Combining the decadent flavors of seasoned succulent shrimp with creamy, garlicky orzo. This dish is a family favorite that comes together in just one pot and in less than 25 minutes. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this a go-to recipe for busy nights. Inspired by the highly rated NY Times recipe for Shrimp Scampi Orzo, and is sure to be a hit! Find out how to make this mouthwatering recipe, plus tips on ingredient substitutions and more!
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Pot Wonder: Save time on cleaning by cooking everything in a single pot. This means less dishes and more time to enjoy your meal and relax.
Quick & Easy: This is a great under 30 minute meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. An easy recipe with simple ingredients that will have everyone coming for seconds.
Flavorful: A blend of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a delicious dish. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned, and the orzo absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the broth and seasonings.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it as creamy or light as you prefer. I mean who doesn’t love a creamy orzo? I like to add heavy cream sometimes which makes it super decadent, similar to a risotto. You can also easily add more vegetables or switch up the type of cheese.
Healthier: Using shrimp and fresh ingredients makes this a balanced meal option. Shrimp is a great source of protein and low in calories, while orzo provides the perfect amount of carbs to keep you energized.
Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture make this dish a hit with kids as well. You can adjust the seasonings to make it more kid-friendly if needed.
One Pot Garlic & Shrimp Orzo Video
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Our Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of the post
Raw Uncooked Shrimp: High in protein and low in calories, shrimp is the star of this dish. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and a touch of salt, the shrimp brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Substitution: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken or a firm fish like cod.
Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. It’s the perfect base for the creamy, garlicky sauce. Substitution: If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta like ditalini.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and fresh parsley add depth and aroma to the dish. Crushed red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that complements the shrimp. Substitution: Feel free to use fresh herbs if available, and adjust the spices to your preference.
Lemon: Both the zest and juice of lemon add a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the dish and pairs wonderfully with the seafood.
Fresh Garlic: Needs no explanation. I mean garlic makes everything better!
Cheese and Cream: Parmesan cheese and optional heavy cream create a rich, velvety texture that coats the orzo perfectly. The cheese adds a nutty, savory element, while the cream makes the dish indulgent. Substitution: You can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano in place of Parmesan, and half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of color and sweetness, balancing the richness of the sauce. Substitution: So may veggies to chose from! Asparagus would work great or even baby spinach.
Wine: A splash of dry white wine (optional) adds complexity and enhances the flavors of the dish. Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth with a teaspoon of vinegar.
How To Make One Pot Garlic & Shrimp Orzo
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of the post
Prepare Shrimp
- Clean your shrimp and pat dry. Add all your seasonings.
- In a large skillet, 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.
Prepare Orzo
- Turn the heat to medium and add in the butter and olive oil. Let that heat up for a couple of minutes. 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.
- Add in the orzo and toast for 3 minutes.
- Add your chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, 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.
- Add in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if you are using heavy cream). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and for the perfect finishing touch, top with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What can I substitute for orzo? You can use any small pasta like ditalini.
Can I make this dairy-free? 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.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and orzo just before serving for the best texture.
How do I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
One Pot Garlic & Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the orzo
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp 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.
- 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.
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.
- Add in the orzo and toast for 3 minutes.
- Add your chicken broth, wine, 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.
- Add in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if you are using heavy cream). Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and top with fresh parsley.
