Lemon Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich shrimp and fiber-filled asparagus.
• Flavorful: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds a refreshing and tangy note that elevates the dish.
• Elegant Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed (large, about 15-20 count per pound)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh basil and thyme, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken or vegetable stock to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
2. Prepare Asparagus: In a large skillet, bring salted water to a boil. Add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp: Season shrimp with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with lemon juice and white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in butter until melted and sauce is emulsified.
5. Combine: Return cooked orzo, asparagus, and shrimp to the skillet. Add capers and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and thyme. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Total Time: 30 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as parsley or dill for a flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain moisture.

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Is there a substitute for white wine?

You can substitute white wine with additional chicken or vegetable stock.

How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They should be cooked until just pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components like the orzo and asparagus in advance and combine them with freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.

What other vegetables can I add?

Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit entirely for a non-spicy version.

Can I use whole wheat orzo?

Yes, whole wheat orzo can be used for added fiber and nutrients.

What type of white wine is best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well in this recipe.

How do I select fresh asparagus?

Look for firm, bright green stalks with closed tips. Avoid limp or wilted asparagus.

Conclusion

Lemon Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of lemon, the tenderness of shrimp,

Lemon Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Lemon Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus is a quick, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp, vibrant asparagus, and delicate orzo in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this 30-minute recipe offers gourmet flavors with minimal effort.

 

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Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed (large, about 15–20 count per pound)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh basil and thyme, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook Orzo:
  • Bring chicken or vegetable stock to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  • Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
• Prepare Asparagus:
  • In a large skillet, bring salted water to a boil.
  • Add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain and set aside.
• Cook Shrimp:
  • Season shrimp with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
• Make Sauce:
  • In the skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Deglaze the pan with lemon juice and white wine, scraping up browned bits.
  • Stir in butter until melted and sauce is emulsified.
• Combine Ingredients:
  • Return cooked orzo, asparagus, and shrimp to the skillet.
  • Add capers and toss to combine.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed and heat through.
• Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh basil and thyme.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

• To make it vegetarian, substitute shrimp with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
• Gluten-free pasta or rice can replace orzo for a gluten-free option.
• Use Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the white wine, or substitute with stock.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean