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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference) - 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Extra lemon zest (for garnish) When making Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo, use fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean. If your shrimp smells strong or fishy, skip it. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Avoid garlic that is soft or sprouted. For the orzo, choose a high-quality brand for better taste and texture. If you can’t find large shrimp, medium shrimp works well too. You can even use chicken or tofu if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, swap orzo for rice or gluten-free pasta. If you don’t have fresh parsley, use basil or cilantro for a different twist. You can also skip the red pepper flakes if you want a milder dish. Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s al dente. Stir it occasionally. When done, drain the orzo but keep a bit of the water. Set aside the orzo for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells nice. Be careful not to let it brown. Now, add 1 pound of shrimp that is peeled and deveined. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet. Add the lemon zest as well. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Let this mix simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend well. Now, gently add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything. If it seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you need it. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and serve right away. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest. Enjoy your meal! To get the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves. Mince them finely so they release their oils. Sauté them in melted butter over medium heat. Stir them for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. Avoid browning the garlic. Brown garlic can taste bitter. If you want a stronger flavor, try adding garlic powder at the end. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. They should be opaque in the center. Overcooked shrimp can be tough. Make sure to season them with salt and pepper before cooking. This step adds flavor and keeps them juicy. Use a timer if needed to avoid overcooking. Spice levels can change the dish. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice warmth without overwhelming the dish. If you like it spicier, add more flakes as you cook. You can also add hot sauce or fresh chopped chili for extra heat. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. {{image_4}} You can boost nutrition and flavor by adding vegetables. Consider spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. You can sauté these in the butter with the garlic. This makes the dish more colorful and delicious. Broccoli or zucchini also work well. They add a nice crunch and fresh taste. If you want to mix up the protein, try chicken or scallops. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it until golden brown before adding garlic. For scallops, sear them for about 2-3 minutes. Both options will give you a new twist on the dish. You can even make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or tofu. If you need a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa instead of orzo. Both grains will soak up the garlic butter flavor nicely. You can also find gluten-free orzo in stores. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. These alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. To store your leftover Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to seal the container well. This helps keep the flavors intact. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or water. This helps to keep the orzo moist. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. If using a microwave, cover the dish loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. You can freeze Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo, but it’s best to freeze the shrimp and orzo separately. This keeps the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Place each in a freezer-safe bag. Use them within three months for best taste. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat as mentioned above. This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the orzo. The shrimp cooks quickly in just a few minutes. This makes it a great meal for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by placing them in cold water for a few minutes. Cook them as you would fresh shrimp. They will taste just as good in the dish. Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo pairs well with a simple salad. You can use mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Grilled vegetables also make a nice side. For a touch of freshness, serve with lemon wedges. It adds a zesty kick! To sum up, we explored the key ingredients for making Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo. We shared tips on choosing the best quality items and substitutions. Next, I provided clear steps on preparing the orzo, cooking the shrimp, and mixing the ingredients perfectly. With helpful tips on flavor, cooking shrimp, and adjusting spices, you can create a great dish. We then discussed adding veggies and other proteins for variety. Finally, we covered storage tips and quick answers to your common questions. Enjoy making this meal!

Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

Indulge your taste buds with this delicious Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo recipe! This quick and easy dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, combined with perfectly cooked orzo and a burst of lemon freshness. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Click through to explore the full instructions and make this vibrant meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Extra lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the starchy pasta water, and set aside.

    Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is completely melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it brown.

      Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.

        Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the shrimp, using tongs to toss everything together gently. If the mixture appears too dry, gradually add in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Be sure to taste and adjust with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

            Remove the skillet from heat and plate the dish immediately. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for a bright finish before serving.

              - Prep Time | Total Time | Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls to accentuate the colorful shrimp and orzo. A lemon wedge on the side makes for an inviting touch!