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Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

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4.4 from 41 reviews

This Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is a delightful one-pot meal combining succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with tender orzo pasta cooked to perfection in white wine and broth. Finished with a touch of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon zest, this dish offers a rich, comforting flavor that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date night meal.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1-1½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Base

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1¼ cup orzo pasta
  • ⅓ cup white wine
  • Juice and zest of one lemon
  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable), plus more if needed

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped shallot and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  4. Add Orzo and Deglaze: Pour the orzo into the skillet with the shallots and garlic, stirring to coat in butter. Add the white wine, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
  5. Simmer the Orzo: Add the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 10-12 minutes. Add additional broth if the mixture dries out too quickly.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and warm through, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve: Spoon the creamy shrimp scampi with orzo onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Leaving the tails on the shrimp adds flavor and makes for an appealing presentation, but you can remove them if preferred.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
  • Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth to keep the dish lighter and vegetarian-friendly (omit shrimp for vegetarian adaptation).
  • For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they will continue to cook when mixed back into the pan.
  • If you don’t have white wine, dry vermouth or additional broth can be used as substitutes.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/creamy-shrimp-scampi-with-orzo-recipe/