Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon, served over tender spinach-infused orzo pasta. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish is light, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (170g) orzo pasta
- 4 cups (about 120g) fresh baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: peel and devein shrimp if needed, mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, and rinse spinach.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add orzo to the pan and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes until nutty aroma develops.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Toss in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan, add red pepper flakes if using, and toss to combine. Heat through for 1 minute. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
[‘Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure good sear and avoid sogginess.’, ‘Toast orzo before cooking to add nuttiness and prevent clumping.’, ‘Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor.’, ‘Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.’, ‘Add a splash of broth or water when reheating leftovers to keep moist.’, ‘Variations include adding cream, herbs, or swapping shrimp for scallops or chicken.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or quinoa.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, spinach orzo, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, healthy shrimp pasta