Description
Lemon garlic shrimp with spinach orzo is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and zesty lemon. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced (about 9 g)
- Zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1½ tbsp (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups (300 g) dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely diced (about 70 g)
- 2 packed cups (60 g) fresh spinach leaves
- ¼ cup (25 g) finely grated Parmesan-style cheese
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley or dill, lemon wedges, extra grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Toss well and marinate for 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion or shallot and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft.
- Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the stock, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 30 seconds until wilted. Add Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then cover and set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook the marinated shrimp over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Serve creamy orzo topped with shrimp. Garnish with herbs, lemon wedges, and extra cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cream for a richer orzo or omit butter and cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Adjust lemon and chili to taste.
- Cook shrimp just before serving for best texture.
- Reheat orzo with a splash of stock to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
