Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

The universal appeal of shrimp scampi, frankly, isn’t the shrimp but the pan sauce: garlicky butter lightened with white wine and bursts of lemon, parsley and red-pepper flakes. Scampi is often tossed with pasta or served with crusty bread, but this version instead uses quick-cooking orzo. It simmers directly in the pan sauce, imparting a starchy gloss — and soaking up the garlicky scampi flavors. Toss the shrimp with some garlic, lemon zest and red-pepper flakes to marinate while the pasta gets a head start on the stove, then simply toss the shrimp on top of the orzo to steam. It all comes together in a flash, and feels effortless. Pair this dish with Caesar salad, steamed broccoli or arugula, or bask in its simple comfort, straight from a spoon.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp

    peeled and deveined

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest

    plus 1 tablespoon juice, from 1 lemon

  • 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups boiling water

    seafood stock or chicken stock

  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, stir together shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, red-pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and half the garlic. Set aside to marinate. (This step can be done up to 1 hour in advance.)

  2. 2

    Add butter, remaining olive oil and remaining garlic to a medium skillet set over medium heat. When the butter starts to bubble, add the orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is toasted, about 2 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent the garlic from burning. Carefully add the wine — it will bubble — and stir until absorbed, about 1 minute. Stir in water, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until orzo is al dente, about 12 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the shrimp in a snug, even layer on top of the orzo, cover, and cook until all the shrimp is pink and cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that comes together without fuss? This Shrimp Scampi With Orzo delivers all the classic flavors you love, elevated with a clever twist for a truly satisfying home-cooked experience.

What makes this Shrimp Scampi With Orzo truly special is how the orzo cooks directly in the flavorful pan sauce. This brilliant technique means the pasta absorbs every garlicky, lemony note, creating a rich, starchy gloss that perfectly coats each piece of shrimp and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Prepare for a symphony of bright, savory flavors. The tender shrimp, infused with garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of red-pepper flakes, nestles atop a creamy, al dente orzo. Each forkful offers the buttery richness of scampi, brightened by a splash of dry white wine and fresh lemon juice, with fragrant parsley tying it all together. It's an effortlessly elegant dish that feels both comforting and impressive.

For customization, feel free to adjust the red-pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat, adding a little more for an extra kick or reducing for a milder flavor. For the cooking liquid, while boiling water works beautifully, using seafood stock or chicken stock can deepen the savory notes and overall richness of the orzo.

This Shrimp Scampi With Orzo is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion, or for an intimate gathering. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, some simply steamed broccoli or fresh arugula to complete the meal, or simply enjoy its comforting flavors straight from a spoon.

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