Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi is a one-pan meal that really takes dinner to the next level! Fresh shrimp are sautéd until golden brown, and then folded into a decadently creamy orzo pasta infused with all the original shrimp scampi flavors: lemon, garlic, white wine and fresh parsley! Get dinner on the table in under an hour and with only one pan – now that’s my kind of meal!
What is Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi?
If you aren’t familiar with the classic shrimp scampi flavors, not to worry! It’s fresh shrimp simmered in butter, garlic, white wine and fresh parsely. The flavors are bright and decadent at the same time – it’s the best of both worlds! You can serve the shrimp as is, or typically as it is: with pasta!
Orzo is actually a pasta, isn’t that cool? It looks just like rice! I love it paired with this shrimp scampi recipe. If you don’t have orzo pasta on hand, you can use any pasta shape (try to stay on the smaller side or even angel hair pasta or linguine), or sub in risotto rice!
How to Make Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi
Even though this recipe looks decadently good, it only requires a few simple steps!
First off, you sear the shrimp in some butter to get them nice and golden brown. Set the shrimp aside and move onto the orzo. Essentially, you treat the orzo like risotto rice – you simmer it low and slow in chicken stock until it is perfectly fluffy! Stir in some heavy cream, lemon juice, garlic and fresh parsely and you have pure pasta decadence. Add the shrimp back in and dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi
Another thing that is so great about this dinner recipe: it can be served for any occassion! Whether it’s a date night meal, weeknight meal for the family or to feed a crowd, it fits the bill! I’m thinking this will be a perfect dinner for Mother’s Day… with some garlic bread… and some chocolate cake for dessert…
Having leftovers of this Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi around wasn’t a bad thing at all either. It actually re-heats very nicely! I love how this dish is both decadent and full of fresh, vibrant flavor at the same time. You really can’t go wrong when butter, garlic, white wine and cream are invovled!
Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi
(8 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Orzo Shrimp Scampi is a one-pan meal that really takes dinner to the next level! Fresh shrimp are sautéd until golden brown, and then folded into a decadently creamy orzo pasta infused with all the original shrimp scampi flavors: lemon, garlic, white wine and fresh parsley! Get dinner on the table in under an hour and with only one pan – now that’s my kind of meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 16 oz raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 16 oz orzo pasta
- 1 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Season the shrimp with the salt and pepper and add into the skillet. Sear the shrimp on one side until perfectly pink and seared, about a few minutes, before flipping them over and repeating on the second side. The shrimp will cook faster on the second side, so they may require less cooking time. Transfer the shrimp to a plate for later use.
- Add the garlic into the butter skillet and lightly sauté. Add in the orzo pasta and toss to coat with the butter and garlic, allowing to toast slightly. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and lemon juice. Reduce the heat to low.
- Working with 1 cup of chicken stock at a time, add the chicken stock to the orzo and allow to simmer until the pasta has soaked up the chicken stock, stirring occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Repeat this process until all the chicken stock has been used and the pasta is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh parsley and turn off the heat. Gently stir the shrimp back in. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use fresh shrimp or frozen, raw shrimp that has been defrosted -which is what I usually do because it’s easier for me to keep some shrimp in the freezer. Still turns out great!
- Orzo pasta can be subbed for other small pastas or even risotto rice.
- I like to use Sauvignon Blanc for my white wine of choice in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
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If you make this recipe and love it as much as I do, I’d love to hear from you! Comment below, rate the recipe, or share a picture tagging @kjandcompany or using #kjandcompany so that I can see your fun pictures 🙂
Thanks for following and cooking along with me!
Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
YUMMMM! Trying this tonight! I’m assuming the wine isn’t totally necessary? Is there something else I can use instead?
Hey Maggie! The white wine helps add flavor, but you can sub in additional chicken stock if desired instead! 🙂