Lemon shrimp orzo

Lemon Shrimp Orzo is incredibly delicious and unbelievably simple to prepare. Featuring tender orzo, plump shrimp, and basic veggies, this dish is a genuine one-pan wonder, ready in just 30 minutes.

For busy home cooks, one-pot meals are a lifesaver. Why fuss over planning, shopping, and timing extra side dishes when you can have your protein, carbs, and a generous portion of veggies all cooked together in one skillet?

This delightful lemon shrimp orzo skillet lives up to the one-pot promise and boasts exceptional flavor. Infused with citrus, fragrant herbs, and a light sauce that brings it all together, it exudes a springtime freshness, yet its ingredients are readily available year-round.

Tools for this recipe

1. Garlic Press
2. Microplane
3. Wire whisk
4. a big pot
5. Sharp knife
6. bowl
7. skillet
8. kitchen tongs

Lemon shrimp orzo recipe video

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz (about 1 cup) orzo pasta
2. 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. Zest of 1 lemon
6. Juice of 1 lemon
7. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8. 2 cups baby spinach
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
11. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Orzo

Get some water in a pot, add a pinch of salt, and heat it up until it’s bubbling away. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Shrimp

Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook it until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute. Then, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Make Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, add lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts slightly and the ingredients are evenly coated with the lemon sauce.

Step 5: Add Shrimp

Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the orzo mixture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper until it tastes just right for you.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the lemon shrimp orzo to serving plates. Sprinkle some fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 7: Enjoy

Serve your lemon shrimp orzo hot and savor the delicious combination of flavors.

Lemon shrimp orzo nutrition information:

Lemon shrimp orzo health benefits:

1. Protein-Rich: The shrimp in this dish provides a generous amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
2. Low in Saturated Fat: With only 3 grams of saturated fat, this dish is heart-healthy and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Fiber Content: The orzo pasta contributes dietary fibre, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
4. Vitamin C: The lemon juice and zest are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports your immune system and promotes skin health.
5. Iron: Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in your blood, and this dish provides 20% of your daily recommended intake.
6. Calcium: While not extremely high, the calcium content in this recipe helps support healthy bones and teeth.
7. Potassium: The dish contains a moderate amount of potassium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and proper muscle function.

Storage Instructions:

After preparing Lemon Shrimp Orzo, follow these guidelines for storage:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions:

Reheat Instructions:

When ready to enjoy leftovers:

1. Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Stovetop: For a more even reheating, warm larger portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Reuse Suggestions:

Transform leftovers creatively:

1. Lemon Shrimp Orzo Salad: Toss chilled leftover orzo with additional fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing salad.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the orzo mixture as a filling for hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake until peppers are tender for a flavorful twist on stuffed peppers.
3. Shrimp Orzo Stir-fry: Reheat the orzo and shrimp in a skillet with additional vegetables and soy sauce for a quick and easy stir-fry dish.

FAQ’s

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