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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish Having all the ingredients ready makes cooking smoother. You can swap some ingredients for variety. If you don't have orzo, use any small pasta. You can also choose shrimp that are frozen or fresh, based on what you can find. For a lighter dish, try using olive oil instead of butter. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For fresh shrimp, look for ones that smell clean, like the ocean. The shells should be firm and shiny. Avoid any shrimp with a strong fishy smell or black spots. If you are buying frozen shrimp, check that they are not stuck together. This means they are fresh and quick to cook. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help the orzo cook evenly. Once the water boils, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the orzo and set it aside. Make sure it doesn't stick together. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt fully. Once it's melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and, if you like spice, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. Then, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when they're done. Now it’s time to mix everything. Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. After that, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish right away, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh kick. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for a firm texture and a clean smell. When cooking, heat a skillet on medium. Add butter and minced garlic, then toss in the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. This step ensures you get juicy shrimp every time. To boost the taste of your dish, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without being too spicy. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like basil or chives. A splash of white wine can add depth too. Just pour it in after cooking the shrimp, and let it simmer. Remember, fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor. Always add it right before serving for the best taste. When cooking orzo, use plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta stay flavorful. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Drain it when it’s al dente, so it’s still firm. After cooking, toss the orzo with a little olive oil. This prevents it from sticking together. If you plan to mix it with the shrimp, combine them while both are hot. This way, they absorb each other's flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} You can add great flavor and color by including vegetables. Fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers work well. Just toss them in with the shrimp. Cook them until they soften, then mix in the orzo. This adds nutrients and taste to your dish. If you want to switch things up, use different pasta. Penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta can be great choices. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may differ from orzo. For a gluten-free option, try rice or quinoa. Each pasta brings a new texture to the dish. You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or scallops are tasty alternatives. Use about one pound of your chosen protein. Cook them until they are fully done, just like you do with shrimp. You can even go plant-based with tofu or chickpeas. Each protein will give your dish a different spin. To store Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can also use a glass dish with a lid. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent air from getting in. When you want to enjoy the dish again, reheat it gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it's heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s better to toss it out. Enjoy your leftovers while they're fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo ahead of time. Cook the orzo and shrimp separately. This keeps the shrimp tender. Mix them right before serving. If you store it in the fridge, use it within two days for the best taste. You can pair this dish with many sides. A simple green salad works great. Garlic bread is a classic choice too. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Each serving fits well in a container. Just reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. This dish stays tasty, so you can enjoy it all week. You learned how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo. We covered the ingredients, tips for cooking, and how to store it. You can swap ingredients or add veggies for new flavors. This dish is easy and fun. Try it out and impress your friends or family. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Orzo with this easy recipe! Enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp paired with creamy orzo, garlic, and a zesty lemon kick. This meal is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don't miss out on creating this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

        Stir in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

          Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing it with the shrimp and sauce until well combined. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

            Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for an additional zesty kick.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4