Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce with tender, perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Enhanced with fresh parsley, a hint of lemon, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your weeknight dinner table in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the Shrimp: While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Orzo with Sauce: Add the drained orzo to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the garlicky sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the orzo is heated through and infused with flavor.
- Return Shrimp and Add Parsley: Place the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together to combine and warm the shrimp through without overcooking.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo hot, optionally garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- To prevent overcooking shrimp, remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing and adding acidity.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to salt the boiling water well to properly season the orzo.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
