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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo with Lemon Butter Shrimp

Warm, creamy orzo pasta paired with perfectly cooked lemon butter shrimp creates a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that's quick and easy to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Butter Shrimp
  • 1.5 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Creamy Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • to taste salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Medium Pot
  • Tongs or Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over shrimp.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side until pink and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice and toss shrimp to coat. Remove shrimp and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring often.
  6. Step 6: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until broth is mostly absorbed and orzo is tender. Stir occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, and pepper until cheeses melt and orzo is creamy.
  8. Step 8: Transfer creamy orzo to serving dish. Nestle lemon butter shrimp on top and tuck some into the orzo.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free version. Add spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubberiness.