Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe
A quick, 30-minute Shrimp Scampi Orzo that has all the traditional scampi flavors mixed with some fresh asparagus and cooked orzo for a delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ 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 ½ 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. Sauté 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 ¼ cup white wine, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Then add the cooked orzo with ½ 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!
- 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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