One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Are you searching for a meal that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably easy to make? Look no further than this One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo! This dish is a weeknight dinner champion, delivering all the classic garlicky, lemony, and buttery goodness of shrimp scampi, but with the comforting texture of orzo pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Forget slaving over multiple pans – this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free and delicious meal.

## Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo

* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is a major win! Everything cooks together in one pot.
* **Deliciously Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, lemon, butter, and white wine creates a classic scampi flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables or herbs.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this creamy and flavorful pasta dish.

## What is Orzo?

For those unfamiliar, orzo is a type of short-cut pasta that resembles large grains of rice. It’s incredibly versatile and cooks quickly, making it perfect for one-pot meals, salads, and soups. Orzo has a slightly chewy texture and a neutral flavor, which allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo:

* **Shrimp:** Use peeled and deveined shrimp, preferably medium or large size. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work. Tail on or off is your preference.
* **Orzo Pasta:** The star of the show! Use regular orzo pasta, not whole wheat.
* **Garlic:** Lots of fresh garlic is key to the classic scampi flavor. Mince it finely.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
* **Olive Oil:** Helps to sauté the garlic and shrimp and prevents sticking.
* **Dry White Wine:** Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, you can substitute chicken broth.
* **Chicken Broth:** The cooking liquid for the orzo. Use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid an overly salty dish.
* **Lemon Juice:** Brightens up the flavor and adds a touch of acidity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adds a concentrated lemon flavor. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Adds freshness and a pop of color. Chopped finely.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, Parmesan cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**

* If using frozen shrimp, make sure it is fully thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better.
* Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the seasoned shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.
* Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

**Step 4: Deglaze the Pot**

* Pour the white wine into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add flavor to the sauce.
* Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly reduced.

**Step 5: Cook the Orzo**

* Add the chicken broth and orzo pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Finish the Dish**

* Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining red pepper flakes (if using).
* Add the cooked shrimp back to the pot and stir to combine.
* Stir in the chopped parsley.
* Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

**Step 7: Serve**

* Serve the One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo immediately. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, and peas all work well. Add them to the pot along with the orzo.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Use Different Seafood:** You can substitute the shrimp with scallops, mussels, or clams.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Parmesan Power:** Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese! A generous grating adds a lovely salty, savory element.
* **Broth is Key:** Using a good quality chicken broth makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish. If you have homemade broth, even better!
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** This is the cardinal rule of shrimp cookery. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Lemon Zest Matters:** The lemon zest adds a brightness and intensity of lemon flavor that lemon juice alone can’t provide. Don’t skip it!

## Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing for shrimp scampi. Dip the bread into the flavorful sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all great choices.
* **Crusty Bread:** To soak up all that delicious sauce!

## Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time:

* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the garlic, parsley, and any other vegetables you’re using ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
* **Zest the Lemon:** Zest the lemon and store the zest in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the orzo in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
6. Add the chicken broth and orzo pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pot and stir to combine.
10. Stir in the chopped parsley.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
12. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and easy One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo! This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-450
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 40-45g

**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

This One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or quality for convenience. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, but also impressive enough to serve to guests. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious and stress-free meal!

Now, go ahead and try this amazing One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Orzo recipe! You won’t regret it.

**Bon appétit!**