Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner idea? This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors—all in one skillet. With tender shrimp, vibrant spinach, al dente orzo, and a delicious lemon garlic sauce, this dish will become your go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Not only is this recipe packed with nutrients and flavor, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. It’s done in under 30 minutes, uses common pantry staples, and delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

In this SEO-friendly article, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to cooking tips, nutritional information, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo

  Quick and Easy

• Ready in just 25 minutes

• Simple ingredients and minimal prep work

• One-pan cleanup with only the orzo cooked separately

  Healthy and Flavorful

• High in protein and rich in nutrients from spinach

• Balanced with healthy fats, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon juice

  Customizable

• Creamy or non-creamy variations

• Easy to make dairy-free or gluten-free

• Add spice or keep it mild depending on your preference

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a full breakdown of the ingredients to make this dish perfectly balanced in taste and texture:

  Pasta and Protein

• 1 cup orzo pasta – small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor beautifully

• 1 lb shrimp – peeled and deveined; opt for medium or large shrimp

  Fats and Flavor Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing shrimp and enhancing richness

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for a velvety garlic-lemon sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds bold aroma and taste

  Zesty Additions

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – intensifies the citrusy flavor

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – for brightness and balance

  Seasonings and Spice

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a subtle kick

• 1/2 teaspoon salt – to enhance flavor

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for mild heat

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – for color and mild smokiness

  Greens and Creaminess

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – wilted and mixed into the pasta

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional) – for a richer, creamier sauce

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – adds a salty, umami note

  Herbs and Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – brightens and finishes the dish

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious one-pan seafood meal that’s sure to impress.

  Step 1: Cook the Orzo

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions.

• Drain well and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

  Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add shrimp, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.

• Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

• Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

  Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Base

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

• Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.

• Simmer for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.

  Step 4: Add Spinach and Orzo

• Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach and sauté until just wilted.

• Return the cooked orzo to the skillet, mixing it well with the spinach and garlic lemon sauce.

  Step 5: Make It Creamy (Optional)

• If desired, pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream and stir until well combined for a creamy texture.

• Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and evenly distributed.

  Step 6: Return the Shrimp

• Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together.

• Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.

  Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley over the top.

• Serve immediately while hot, with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

  How to Cook Shrimp Perfectly

• Shrimp cooks fast—watch for the color change from gray to pink and a gentle curl.

• Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so remove from heat as soon as they’re done.

  Orzo Cooking Tip

• Salt the water like you would for regular pasta to infuse flavor.

• Drain and rinse with hot water to avoid clumping if not using immediately.

  Boost the Creaminess

• Want a restaurant-style creamy texture? Don’t skip the heavy cream and Parmesan.

• For a lighter version, skip the cream and rely on the starch from the orzo and cheese for silkiness.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides and drinks. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

  Best Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette

• Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts

• Simple arugula salad with balsamic glaze

  Perfect Beverage Pairings

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling water with lemon

• A citrusy white wine spritzer

  Garnish Ideas

• Lemon wedges

• Extra Parmesan

• Crushed red pepper flakes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  Storing Leftovers

• Let the dish cool to room temperature.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  Reheating Tips

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

  Freezing

• This dish is best fresh. However, you can freeze it for up to 1 month if needed.

• Reheat gently after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Customization and Variations

  Make It Spicy

• Increase the red pepper flakes

• Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce

  Make It Dairy-Free

• Omit butter, cheese, and cream

• Use olive oil and nutritional yeast for flavor

  Make It Gluten-Free

• Swap orzo with gluten-free orzo, rice, or quinoa

  Make It Vegetarian

• Replace shrimp with chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms

  Add More Veggies

• Cherry tomatoes

• Zucchini

• Bell peppers

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 415 kcal

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

• Cholesterol: 180mg

• Sodium: 510mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs About Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute with other small pastas like ditalini, couscous, or even rice.

Is it good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores and reheats well. Just add a splash of liquid when reheating.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes! The dish is still flavorful and cohesive without it. The cheese and pasta starch will help create a natural sauce.

How do I make it low-carb?

Swap orzo with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. It’s an easy, one-skillet meal that delivers on every level—zesty, creamy, garlicky, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or just looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special, this dish has you covered.

With just a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and make it your own. Bon appétit!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to bookmark it and share it with your fellow food lovers. Looking for more quick seafood dinners? Stay tuned for our next flavor-packed creation!

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