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Creamy One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Grilled Shrimp

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A bright and creamy one-pot lemon orzo with grilled shrimp that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. The orzo cooks in the same pot with broth, cream, and lemon for a naturally silky sauce, while the shrimp get a smoky char on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  2. Start the Orzo Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced shallot and cook for about 2 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add dry orzo to the pot and stir for about 1 minute until slightly golden around the edges.
  4. Add the Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente.
  5. Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Grill the Shrimp: While orzo cooks, heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with grill marks.
  7. Bring It All Together: Remove pot from heat. Gently fold in grilled shrimp, reserving a few for garnish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip toasting the orzo for a nutty depth. Grate your own Parmesan for smooth melting. Watch the heat to prevent sticking. Shrimp cook quickly—2 to 3 minutes per side is enough. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon orzo, grilled shrimp, one-pot pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, seafood pasta

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/creamy-one-pot-lemon-orzo-with-grilled-shrimp/