One-Pan Lemon Shrimp Orzo with Crispy Garlic Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil (Divided: ½ tablespoon for the shrimp and 1 tablespoon for searing)
• 2 tsp Aleppo pepper (Divided: 1½ teaspoons for the shrimp and ½ teaspoon for the orzo)
• 1 tsp smoked or regular paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• kosher salt (1 teaspoon for the shrimp; additional pinches and seasoning to taste)
• freshly cracked black pepper (Several grinds for the shrimp, plus more to taste and for serving)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (Divided equally between the breadcrumbs and orzo)
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 5 garlic cloves (Finely grated and divided: 2 cloves for the breadcrumbs and 3 cloves for the orzo)
• 1 lemon lemon zest (Divided between the breadcrumbs and the finished orzo)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Finely chopped and divided; 1 teaspoon goes into the breadcrumbs)
• 1 large shallot (Finely diced)
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 0.5 cup dry white wine (Optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth (Add another splash as needed if the orzo becomes too thick before it is cooked)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Plus more for serving)
• 0.5 lemon lemon juice (Use the juice of half a lemon; add an extra squeeze for serving if desired)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl with ½ tablespoon olive oil, 1½ teaspoons Aleppo pepper, the garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden and just cooked through, about 1½ to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, including any accumulated juices.

3. 3

   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in 2 grated garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat, then toss the breadcrumbs with half of the lemon zest, 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, and a pinch of kosher salt. Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl and set aside.

5. 5

   Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced shallot and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the remaining ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

7. 7

   Stir in the dry orzo and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Pour in the white wine, if using, and simmer until nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes. If the orzo becomes too thick before it is fully cooked, stir in another splash of broth as needed.

10. 10

    During the last couple of minutes of cooking, stir in the remaining 3 grated garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

11. 11

    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 1 minute.

12. 12

    Add the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.

13. 13

    Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the shrimp are just warmed through, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

14. 14

    Stir in the remaining lemon zest, remaining parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

15. 15

    Divide the orzo among bowls and top generously with the crispy garlic breadcrumbs. Finish with more Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Notes

The white wine is optional. The author recommends serving the dish with a simple green salad. The breadcrumbs add important buttery crunch and should not be skipped.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pan
• seafood
• shrimp
• pasta
• weeknight dinner
• creamy
• gluten-containing