Description
This One Pan Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is a quick, flavorful dinner made in just one skillet. Juicy shrimp, orzo, garlic, lemon, and spinach come together in a light, buttery sauce for the perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 8 garlic cloves (minced, divided)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- â…“ cup chicken stock (as a substitute for white wine)
- 1½ cups hot chicken stock
- 1 bag (about 3–4 cups) fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano (microbial-rennet)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and half the garlic. Toss and set aside for up to 1 hour.
- Toast the Orzo: In a large skillet, heat the butter and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook 30 seconds. Stir in orzo and toast for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in chicken stock and stir until absorbed. Add 1½ cups hot stock, cover, and simmer on low for 9–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and creamy.
- Add Spinach & Shrimp: Stir in baby spinach until wilted. Arrange shrimp on top in a single layer, cover, and cook 2–4 minutes, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in lemon juice, Pecorino Romano, and parsley. Season to taste and serve warm with extra cheese or herbs.
Notes
Use large, raw shrimp for the best flavor. Toasting the orzo first adds a nutty depth. If the pasta thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm stock before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Orzo recipes, Shrimp recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian/American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 402 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 163 mg