Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo is a flavorful and quick-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce, served over tender orzo pasta. This recipe balances zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a delightful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided into 2 tablespoons and 2 tablespoons)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the remaining olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Toss in Orzo: Add the cooked orzo pasta into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the orzo evenly with the flavorful sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Shrimp and Parsley: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add chopped fresh parsley, and toss gently to combine and warm the shrimp back up.
- Finish and Season: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- If dry white wine is unavailable, substitute with chicken broth or skip it entirely but adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory finish.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
