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Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo

Quick Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy lemon garlic butter shrimp with orzo and tomatoes recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This dish balances bright lemon flavor with a silky garlic butter sauce and juicy tomatoes for a comforting yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices.
  5. Push tomatoes to the side and add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Return shrimp and tomatoes to the pan. Stir in cooked orzo and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Add lemon juice towards the end to prevent cream from curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, lemon garlic butter, orzo, quick dinner, creamy sauce, easy recipe, weeknight meal, tomatoes

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/quick-creamy-lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-with-orzo-recipe-for-easy-dinners/