Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe. It combines tender, juicy shrimp with the comforting, tender bite of orzo pasta, all tossed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon and a hint of white wine. Each bite bursts with flavor, freshness, and just the right amount of indulgence to make weeknights or special occasions shine. This recipe is your new go-to for something that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding rich buttery depth to refreshing brightness, and together they create a mesmerizing harmony of flavors and textures.

• Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined for perfect, tender seafood highlights.
• Orzo pasta (1 cup): Small and delicate, it soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The aromatic powerhouse that infuses warmth and depth.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Adds creamy richness that coats every bite effortlessly.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Provides a fruity, peppery backdrop balancing the butter’s richness.
• Dry white wine (1/3 cup): Brings subtle acidity and complexity to the sauce.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Lifts the entire dish with refreshing, tangy brightness.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle hint of heat that awakens the palate.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A savory finishing touch that melts into the orzo for extra indulgence.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the orzo until it is perfectly al dente. This is key because the orzo needs to have just enough bite to provide texture without becoming mushy. Drain it carefully and set it aside—don’t let it dry out while you finish the rest!

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the orzo is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp sear better, developing a lovely golden crust and locking in their juicy sweetness.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Timing is everything here—you want tender shrimp, not rubbery, so pull them out promptly and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté these for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating garlic aroma but be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn—it should just be fragrant and tender.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine and Lemon

Pour in the dry white wine along with the fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little nuggets are flavor gold! Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens just enough to coat the shrimp and orzo beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Orzo and Sauce

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated in the garlic butter sauce. Let this mingle over heat for a minute or two so the orzo can fully absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 7: Return Shrimp and Add Parsley

Return the shrimp to the pan along with the freshly chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together so that the shrimp warms back up without overcooking. The parsley adds a wonderful herby freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish feel lively and inviting.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This final touch creates a savory, slightly nutty layer that binds everything together so elegantly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish out the garlic butter shrimp scampi with orzo onto plates and prepare for all the compliments when you share this delightful meal. It’s best served hot to savor the creamy sauce and tender shrimp at their peak flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side can brighten the dish even further and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the buttery richness.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus to add different textures and fresh notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the shrimp scampi over lightly charred zucchini ribbons instead of orzo for a lower-carb option, or plate it in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic look that invites shared eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked orzo and shrimp separately. Be cautious with freezing shrimp, as it can become rubbery when reheated, so freezing is not generally recommended for this recipe.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can toughen the shrimp and dry the orzo.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.

What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?

If you prefer to skip the wine, use low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice with a little water to maintain the acidity and moisture.

Is orzo pasta gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. For gluten-free options, look for orzo made from rice or other gluten-free grains.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp on medium-high heat just until they turn pink and are opaque – usually 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and less enjoyable.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply skip the butter and Parmesan cheese or replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe is a brilliant way to bring restaurant-quality flavors right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss. Its balance of buttery richness, garlicky goodness, lemony freshness, and perfectly cooked shrimp wrapped in cozy orzo will quickly make it one of your favorite dishes to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a treasured staple in your meal rotation!

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