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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet, you will need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Shrimp: Use chicken or scallops instead. - Orzo: Try quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. - Butter: Olive oil works well for a lighter taste. - Vegetable broth: Chicken broth can add more flavor. - Fresh parsley: Basil or chives can give a fresh twist. You don’t need many tools for this recipe. Just gather these items: - A large skillet for cooking - A wooden spoon for stirring - A measuring cup for the orzo - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A zester for lemon juice (optional) - A serving spoon for plating By using these ingredients and tools, you’ll create a dish that’s both easy and tasty. Enjoy the cooking process! To make this dish, start with a large skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Then, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. Next, toss in 1 pound of large shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking. After that, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Wait until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley before serving. - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking time: 20 minutes - Total time: 30 minutes - Servings: 4 To make sure the shrimp cook well, watch them closely. They should turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they can become tough. For the orzo, make sure to stir it while toasting. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. When adding broth, cover the skillet. This helps the orzo cook evenly. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the best flavor. To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet even tastier, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp adds a sweet flavor. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma. Also, add a splash of white wine for depth. It pairs well with shrimp and garlic. You can try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This small addition brings a nice heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. It balances the rich garlic butter. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can add layers of flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink. If they cook too long, they become rubbery. Another mistake is skipping the toasting step for the orzo. Toasting gives it a nutty flavor. Avoid adding all the broth at once. Pour it in slowly to let the orzo absorb it. This prevents clumping and ensures even cooking. Also, make sure not to skip seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in the dish. For a great look, serve from the skillet. This rustic style makes it feel homey. You can also spoon it into bowls. Top each bowl with extra parsley for color. Adding a lemon wedge on the side makes it pop. Serve with a simple green salad. It adds freshness and balance to the meal. A crusty piece of bread goes well too. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Enjoy your beautiful dish! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet easily. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. For a fresh taste, add herbs like basil or dill. Fresh herbs boost the dish's flavor. You can also add lemon zest for a zesty kick. These small tweaks make a big difference! If you want to switch proteins, chicken works well. Use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into small pieces and cook them like shrimp. Scallops are another great choice. They cook quickly and add a sweet taste. For a twist, try using fish like salmon or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. You can make a tasty vegetarian version too. Replace shrimp with mushrooms or zucchini. Both add a nice texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth for cooking the orzo. Toss in more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for color and nutrients. These changes keep the dish satisfying and full of flavor, perfect for everyone! To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. It stays good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Just ensure you separate the orzo and shrimp if you can. This helps keep the texture nice. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat gently. Use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. This prevents the orzo from drying out. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Check it often, so it warms but doesn't overcook. If you want to freeze your dish, portion it out first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. It stays good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you still enjoy great flavor and texture. To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet, start by melting butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for one to two minutes. Then, toss in the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about three to four minutes. Remove the shrimp and set it aside. Next, add orzo to the skillet and toast it for about two minutes. Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for ten to twelve minutes until the orzo is tender. Once cooked, mix in more butter and lemon juice. Finally, gently fold in the cooked shrimp and adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Thaw the shrimp first by placing them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. Using frozen shrimp may add a few extra minutes to your cooking time. Just ensure they are pink and cooked through before serving. Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet is a complete meal, but you can pair it with sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw for added texture. This article covered all you need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet. We explored ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips to avoid common mistakes and variations for different tastes. Additionally, we discussed storage options and reheating tips to keep meals tasty. Now, you can make this dish with confidence. Enjoy creating your own version, and don’t forget to share your results! Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet

Delight your taste buds with this quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet recipe! In just 30 minutes, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish combining juicy shrimp, creamy orzo, and fresh ingredients like garlic and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this one-pan meal is simple yet impressive. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

      Toss in the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

          Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

            Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish directly from the skillet for a rustic look, or portion it into individual bowls. Top with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for color and zest!