Lemon Garlic Orzo with Shrimp

Ingredients

• olive oil (For searing the shrimp; amount as needed)
• butter (For searing the shrimp; amount as needed)
• 1 lb shrimp, raw, deveined and tail-off
• smoked paprika (To season the shrimp)
• lemon pepper (To season the shrimp)
• onion powder (To season the shrimp)
• salt (To season the shrimp; additional salt to taste at the end)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3.5 garlic cloves (Minced)
• 1 lb orzo (1 box)
• 5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cream
• 0.5 lemon juice (Juice of half a lemon)
• 0.333 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated; source says “parm”)
• 3 handful spinach (A few handfuls)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (Roughly; can use more or less)
• salt (To taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a little olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, lemon pepper, onion powder, and salt, then sear them, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

2. 2

   Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and let the pan cool slightly.

3. 3

   Add the 4 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic once the pan has cooled a bit so it does not burn. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the orzo and stir to coat it. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring a couple of times.

6. 6

   Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

7. 7

   Cover and simmer over low to medium-low heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until most of the broth is absorbed.

8. 8

   Add the cream, lemon juice, Parmesan, spinach, dill, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.

9. 9

   Return the shrimp to the pan and serve.

Notes

The description does not specify amounts for the oil, butter used to sear, or shrimp seasonings. It says to add the remaining ingredients after the orzo simmers but does not give a separate cooking time for that final mixture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• one-pan
• pasta
• seafood
• comfort food