One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

Shrimp and orzo are just meant to go together. We don’t make the rules, y’all. That’s just how it is.

In this shrimp orzo recipe, succulent shellfish meet garlicky, buttery

pasta

to create a

30-minute main

that your family will adore. Did we mention that it all comes together in one pan? Our

one-pan

garlic-butter shrimp with orzo is the weeknight dinner hero you’ve been searching for.

Rather than boiling in water, the pasta cooks in a glorious mixture of sautéed shallots, white wine, butter, oil, and vegetable broth. This method jump-starts the development of the dish, infusing big flavor from the very beginning stages.

The secret to the smooth, garlicky flavor in this

seafood supper

hides in Step 4, where you use the side of a chef’s knife to rub minced garlic and salt into a paste. Garlic paste takes only a minute to make, and it will coat the shrimp evenly, resulting in a significant, yet not overwhelming

garlicky flavor

.

What Is Orzo?

Orzo—also known as

risoni

, meaning « large rice »—may be shaped like a grain of rice, but it’s actually a form of pasta. Made with wheat flour, this unique pasta has a soft, slightly chewy texture after cooking, and is a versatile option to use in soups, salads, casseroles, and more. The small size and quick cooking time make it an easy side dish option, along with a delicious base for a variety of proteins.

Ingredients for One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

Butter, shallots, white wine, garlic, lemon, capers, shrimp, and orzo—how could you go wrong? To make one-pan garlic-butter shrimp with orzo, you’ll need:

• 
  Unsalted butter:
  
  Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish.
• 
  Olive oil:
  
  Used in combination with butter to sauté the shallots.
• 
  Shallots:
  
  For a mild, oniony flavor.
• 
  White wine:
  
  Deglazes the pan, adding depth and acidity.
• 
  Vegetable broth:
  
  Flavorful liquid to help cook the orzo.
• 
  Orzo:
  
  A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
• 
  Kosher salt:
  
  Enhances the overall flavor.
• 
  Garlic cloves:
  
  Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• 
  Lemon zest and juice:
  
  Brightens and adds acidity to the dish, along with a citrusy flavor.
• 
  Crushed red pepper:
  
  For a touch of heat.
• 
  Flat-leaf parsley:
  
  For a pop of freshness and color.
• 
  Raw shrimp:
  
  The star protein of the dish, cooked over the orzo for this one-pan meal.
• 
  Capers:
  
  Adds a tangy, briny touch.

How To Make One-Pan Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

In just 30 minutes, with one pan, you’ll have a deliciously rich and savory shrimp dish ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap before you get started:

• 
  Step 1. Cook shallots:
  
  Heat butter and oil in a large skillet. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened. Add wine and cook to reduce by half. Remove from heat.
• 
  Step 2. Mix in butter and oil:
  
  Transfer some of the shallot mixture to a bowl and mix in remaining butter and oil. Set aside.
• 
  Step 3. Cook orzo:
  
  Add broth to remaining shallot mixture in skillet, and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and 1 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes.
• 
  Step 4. Prepare shrimp:
  
  Finely chop garlic. Add remaining salt and work in and press to form a garlic paste. Mix into shallot mixture in bowl along with lemon juice, red pepper, and some parsley. Toss in shrimp to coat.
• 
  Step 5. Cook shrimp:
  
  Spoon shrimp mixture over cooked orzo. Cover and cook until shrimp are just opaque. Remove from heat and top with capers, zest, and remaining parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo Variations

To change up this one-pan dish, consider these variation ideas:

• 
  Shrimp:
  
  Substitute with fresh scallops or seared chicken thighs.
• 
  Orzo:
  
  Swap with farro, quinoa, or rice if desired, although the cooking time and method may need to be adjusted. You can also substitute with other small pasta shapes, like ditalini, small elbow macaroni, or pearl couscous.
• 
  Veggies:
  
  Add extra nutrients and color with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
• 
  Herbs:
  
  Substitute the parsley with cilantro or thyme.
• 
  Cheese:
  
  If you’re looking to add a cheesy touch, sprinkle on some feta or Parmesan before serving.
• 
  Nuts:
  
  Add crunch with toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon.

What To Serve With Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

Serve this shrimp and orzo dish with a light

side salad

, or steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It also pairs well with

garlic bread

or crusty bread, as well as white wine to complement the buttery, garlicky flavor.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Garlic-Butter Shrimp With Orzo

Refrigerate leftover shrimp and orzo in an airtight containers (separately if possible) for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving, if desired. Add a splash of broth while heating if the dish seems dry.

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

The flavors of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine, all combined with fresh shrimp and tender orzo, are just too good to deny. But we aren’t the only ones who love this dish:

Jczerwin commented, « Oh so good! And great as a left over the next day. If you like lemon, you’ll love this recipe! »

One

Southern Living

Community Member said, « Simple, tasty, and one-pan? Perfect! Loved it. Have made it several times. » Another said, « Love this recipe! It has become a regular at our house. »

Lastly, Jaya proclaimed, « Excellent! followed it to every detail. Added some dill as well. It was extremely flavorful and delicious! »

Other Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love

Quick to cook, whether you’re feeding the family or a crowd, these shrimp dishes are a delicious way to get dinner on the table fast:

• 
  Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
  
• 
  Shrimp Risotto
  
• 
  Grilled Shrimp Tacos
  
• 
  Garlic Butter Shrimp
  
• 
  Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
  
• 
  Southern Fried Shrimp with Tartar Sauce
  
• 
  Shrimp Salad Rolls
  
• 
  Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
  

Editorial contributions by

Katie Rosenhouse.