Quick Look at this Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Asparagus Recipe
- Ready In: 30 minutes!
- Serves: 6
- Main Ingredients: large shrimp, fresh asparagus, orzo pasta, butter & garlic
- Secret Ingredients: lemon juice + lemon zest – a touch of acidity that is light, refreshing, and helps to enhance all the other flavors!
- Dietary Info: gluten-free friendly and dairy-free friendly
- Why You’ll Love It: Life is busy and at the end of the day, you need a quick & easy dinner that tastes amazing! Our simple shrimp scampi pasta is on regular rotation because it is so easy. So I took all those traditional flavors and brought them to a skillet with orzo pasta and fresh asparagus for a complete meal. Made with only 10 real ingredients, you have to try this shrimp scampi with orzo and garlic!
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Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Large Shrimp – highly recommend using large, raw shrimp with the shell removed but the tail left on (for the added flavor). If you choose a pre-cooked shrimp or smaller size, it will have a lower cook time.
- Orzo – a quick cooking pasta that looks similar to rice. Feel free to swap for a gluten-free orzo pasta, if needed.
- Asparagus – love adding a fresh vegetable in the mix! Broccoli or green beans would also be delicious!
How To Make Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
Step 1 – Melt the butter and sautรฉ garlic.
Step 2 – Add shrimp and asparagus. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Once shrimp is cooked, add the rest of the ingredients (except orzo). Mix to combine.
Step 4 – Add the cooked orzo; toss to combine. Adjust any seasonings or add splashes of reserved pasta water.
Pro Tip
Always reserve some pasta water!! Anytime you are cooking pasta noodles on the stove top, keep some of the pasta water in a glass measuring cup before draining. This will come in handy if the pasta needs to be thinned out or you want some extra creaminess.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
In an effort to keep this dinner simple, it can be enjoyed all on its own! If you do want to pair it with something else, we recommend some easy grilled bread or a classic house salad for some extra veggies. Of course, a glass of white wine would also go well!
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Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups orzo
- 6 tablespoons butter, sub plant-based
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, shelled; tail-on (see notes)
- 2 cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- kosher salt & ground black pepper
- ยผ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
- ยฝ cup reserved pasta water
Serving Suggestion:
- parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 1 ยฝ cups orzo to al dente, according to the package directions. *Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining* Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp + Asparagus: Meanwhile, bring a large cast iron skillet to a medium-high heat; add 6 tablespoons butter to melt. Sautรฉ 4 teaspoons garlic for 30 seconds – 1 minute. Add 1 pound large shrimp and 2 cups asparagus, season with a sprinkling of kosher salt & ground black pepper. Move around the pan for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp has cooked through.
- Combine: To the hot pan of cooked shrimp, add ยผ cup white wine, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Then add the cooked orzo with ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine. Taste and add more lemon or salt, as desired. Option to add splashes of reserved pasta water if needed to thin it out.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with some freshly shredded parmesan!
Notes
- Tail On Shrimp: whether you want to leave the tail on your shrimp is totally up to you – leaving it on gives the dish more flavor, but I know it can be annoying to remove while you are eating. Do what works best for you!ย
- Gluten-Free: use your favorite gluten-free orzo pasta.
- Dairy-Free: use a plant-based butter and serve with a dairy-free parmesan alternative or omit.
- Asparagus Optional: feel free to omit, if you prefer!
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