Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is an elegant, delicious restaurant quality dinner that's easy to make at home in 30 minutes! Whether you're planning a special occasion dinner, a small dinner party, or a family dinner on a busy weeknight, this seafood pasta recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
When it comes to fast and easy meals, shrimp is one of my Go To proteins. From easy appetizers like Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp to Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Gnocchi, shrimp is such a versatile seafood that can be transformed quickly into flavorful weeknight dinners.
If you're looking for a restaurant-quality meal that you can make in 30 minutes for dinner tonight, try this Shrimp Scampi with Orzo recipe. It's fancy enough for special occasions like Valentine's Day dinner, anniversary dinner, or birthday dinners. Yet so simple, easy, and fast enough to make for any busy night of the week!
🍤 If you like shrimp scampi, also try our Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi with Linguine recipe!
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🌟 Why this recipe works
This recipe is so warm, rustic, and comforting, yet elegant and refined all at the same time. Here are just a few reasons we think it'll be a recipe your whole family will love!
- Quick and easy - Life is busy, and this recipe respects that. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet-worthy meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- One-pot wonder - Tired of doing the dishes? This recipe is a one-pot meal wonder! With orzo cooked right alongside succulent shrimp in a flavorful garlic and lemon sauce, cleanup is a breeze.
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a celebration of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked shrimp. The orzo absorbs the essence of the scampi, ensuring that each forkful is a burst of flavor.
- Versatile - Whether you're in need of a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests, Shrimp Scampi with Orzo fits the bill. It's a crowd-pleaser that doesn't compromise on taste or elegance.
🛒 Ingredient notes
- Orzo - Some people mistakenly think orzo is a rice because of it's small shape, but it's actually a pasta!
- Shrimp - Use large shrimp. If you use frozen, be sure the shrimp is thawed completely and dried with a paper towel before cooking.
- Butter - You'll need unsalted butter.
- Olive oil - Use extra virgin olive oil for both marinating the shrimp and to cook the orzo.
- Garlic - We use two large garlic cloves, minced, but you can use more or less depending on your taste preference.
- Red pepper flakes - The amount called for in the recipe makes a shrimp scampi with a bit of a kick. If you don't want a spicy dish, omit the red pepper flakes completely. If you want it spicier, add more!
- Lemon - You'll use both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice in this recipe.
- Seafood stock - Homemade seafood stock or seafood broth is easy to make, and anytime I cook prawns or shrimp I save the shrimp shells to make homemade shrimp stock. But you can use store-bought seafood stock or broth.
- Spinach - You can use fresh or frozen spinach leaves.
- Fresh parsley - Finish the dish with a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper - Use kosher salt and ground black pepper.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
A full list of ingredients along with the full recipe with detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But for you fellow visual learners out there, I'm including detailed step-by-step photos of how to make this easy shrimp scampi with orzo pasta.
- In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, 2 minced garlic cloves (half of the minced garlic), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to coat the shrimp. Set aside to marinate.
- Add butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook just the butter melts and starts to bubble.
- Then immediately add the dry orzo to the skillet, along with the minced garlic. Lower to medium heat and cook just until the orzo is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and slowly add the white wine.
6. Pour in the seafood stock or shrimp stock.
7. Add the seasoned, marinated shrimp and the spinach leaves on top of the orzo. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until the spinach gets wilted and the shrimp is fully cooked.
8. As soon as the shrimp is cooked and changes color, add the lemon juice. Remove from the heat and serve with the chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Optional: sprinkle parmesan cheese just before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Shrimp doesn't take long to cook. You'll know it's fully cooked when the color changes from transparent to a bright white and orange.
Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. And pat them dry to ensure they absorb the flavors better and they don't add additional liquid to the dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🍽 Serving ideas
This delicious shrimp scampi with orzo can be a delicious complete meal on its own. But it's also amazing when enjoyed with a simple salad and some crusty bread. Try our Homemade French Bread or Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
It's also a wonderful dish to serve with our Carrot Cucumber Salad, Instant Pot Broccoli or Air Fryer Broccoli, or Roasted Garlic Lemon Asparagus.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
A glass of wine can take this meal from everyday to special occasion. The lemon garlic shrimp flavors of this shrimp orzo dish pairs well with a crisp dry white wine.
Pair this with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:
- Large bowl - Use a large mixing bowl to marinate the shrimp.
- Large skillet - I love this large enamored cast iron skillet to cook this dish, but you can use almost any large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Wooden spoon - Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients as they cook.
More shrimp pasta recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 1½ cups seafood stock
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, 2 minced garlic cloves (half of the minced garlic), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to coat the shrimp. Set aside to marinate.
- Add the butter and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the liquid starts to bubble, add the orzo and remaining garlic. Stirring regularly, cook the orzo for about 2 minutes, just enough to lightly toast the orzo. You may need to lower the heat to ensure the garlic doesn't burn.
- Slowly pour in the wine. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the seafood stock. Lower the heat to medium, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, just until the orzo is al dente.
- Add the spinach to the pan. Place the shrimp in a single layer on top, then cover and cook for about 5 minutes or more, just until most of the liquid has dissolved and the shrimp is cooked.
- Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- For less spice, use only ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or omit them completely.
- You can substitute chicken stock, vegetable stock for the seafood stock. You can also substitute water but you may want to add more seasoning since the water will not add flavor.
- If you don't want to use white wine, you can substitute more stock.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Galina says
Hello Marlynn Jayme,
I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful recipe. It became a staple meal, especially on those busy nights as it takes me as long as it takes for orzo to cook. I add Costco cocktail shrimps at the end of the cooking time and leave it for a couple of minutes for shrimps to heat through and absorb the flavors from orzo. I also add a dash of lemon and pepper seasoning if I do not have lemons on hand. It is very easy and nutritious meal. Thank you very much.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi, Galina! Thank you so much for sharing! So glad you liked it as much as we do.❤️
Theresa says
what can I substitute the white wine with. I don't use alcohol.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
You can substitute more seafood stock, chicken stock, or even water, although seafood stock will give you the most flavor. You can also simply leave out the alcohol.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Theresa! You can use more seafood broth instead of white wine.
Theresa says
Hi, I just stumbled onto your site and like what I see! I am subscribing.