Shrimp Scampi Orzo
This easy shrimp scampi orzo recipe is a one pot meal that combines hearty pasta with the traditional flavors of shrimp scampi! It has a bright and buttery yet light white wine sauce.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp thawed & peeled, tails removed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes see note
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional, to taste
Instructions
- Add the butter to a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes/side or until they're cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and leave the remaining butter in the bottom of the pot.
- Add in the orzo, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, and let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add in the wine and let it bubble for about 30 seconds (let it almost completely evaporate), then stir in the chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle boil, then continue cooking for 12 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often ensuring the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. You will likely need to turn the heat down (to medium or even medium-low). It should steadily simmer vs. boil furiously, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the orzo is cooked.
- Stir in the shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Take the pot off the heat, and cover it for 3 minutes until more of the broth has been absorbed. Season with salt & pepper as needed, and serve immediately with some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- If the orzo is soaking up the liquid too fast (i.e. before the pasta is cooked enough), turn the heat down and/or add another splash of chicken broth. If there's too much liquid, cover the pot for a bit longer and the orzo will soak 'er up.
- It's got quite a kick with 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, so use 1/4 if you want more of a gentle heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 207mg | Sodium: 645mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 1mg
