Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup orzo pasta; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something comforting about a skillet full of buttery shrimp nestled in perfectly cooked orzo. This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo recipe hits all the right notes: rich, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes. With just one pan, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that’s both elegant and easy.

The shrimp are sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce until pink and tender, while the orzo soaks up every drop of flavor. A hint of lemon juice brightens it all up, and fresh herbs give it a final pop. It’s a dish that balances comfort food vibes with restaurant-worthy flair.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Medium to large shrimp work best here—look for peeled and deveined shrimp for quick prep. Tail-on or tail-off is your call, but tail-on shrimp make for a more striking presentation. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup orzo pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Orzo

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return shrimp to the skillet along with lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Cook another minute until everything is heated through.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Serve hot straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon. It’s delicious on its own but also pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Small shapes like couscous or ditalini work well, though cooking times will vary.

Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained before cooking.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is a great alternative, especially for pescatarian-friendly meals.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust or omit them to your taste.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo, dive into these cozy, carb-happy favorites:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with bold Italian flair.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for garlic lovers.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a creamy seafood spin.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re craving a heartier bite.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for a cheesy twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need a quick but impressive dinner.

If you give this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo a try, drop a comment below! Did you tweak the seasoning or try a different herb? I’m all ears. And if you’re hungry for more everyday dinners and creative twists, follow along on Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily inspiration.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo is the perfect one-skillet dinner. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in garlicky butter and combined with tender orzo, a splash of lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s rich, bright, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the orzo and cook for 1 minute to toast slightly.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Return shrimp to the skillet along with lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Cook another minute until everything is heated through.