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- 1 pound 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 or chicken broth - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Additional lemon wedge (for serving) The main ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet are simple yet packed with flavor. You need a pound of large shrimp. These shrimp should be peeled and deveined for ease of cooking. The orzo pasta adds a lovely texture to the dish. Four tablespoons of unsalted butter will give your meal a rich taste. Minced garlic is a must; it brings a nice aroma and flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. For the broth and seasoning, you can use either vegetable or chicken broth. This adds depth to the dish. A teaspoon of paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Lemon zest and juice make everything bright and fresh. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, for garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of green. A lemon wedge on the side not only looks great but also provides extra flavor if you desire. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s quick, tasty, and sure to impress. 1. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. 3. Next, toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. 4. Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely as they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. 1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of orzo pasta. 2. Stir the orzo to coat it in the butter. Toast it for around 2 minutes until slightly golden. 3. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. 4. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. The orzo should be al dente and most liquid absorbed. 1. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. 2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and the juice from 1 lemon. Mix everything well. 3. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. 4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Make sure to cook the shrimp just right. Overcooked shrimp can become tough. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. To get the perfect orzo texture, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. When you simmer the orzo in broth, check it around 8 minutes. If it needs more time, give it a minute or two. For a great presentation, serve the dish in a large pasta bowl. Top it with fresh chopped parsley. Add a lemon wedge on the side for color and extra zest. This makes it look fresh and inviting. You can pair this meal with a crisp salad. A light green salad with vinaigrette works well. If you prefer wine, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice. It complements the shrimp nicely. If you want to switch things up, try using chicken instead of shrimp. Cook the chicken pieces until they are cooked through. Tofu is another great option for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to season it well. You can also use different types of pasta. If you can’t find orzo, try small shells or ditalini. These shapes will work nicely in the dish, absorbing the flavors just as well. {{image_2}} You can change the recipe with seasonal veggies. Zucchini and spinach work great. Just chop them up and add them when you mix in the shrimp. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also boost the taste. They add a fresh smell and flavor that brings your dish to life. Spice it up by adding Cajun seasoning or Italian herbs. These will give your dish a different taste. You can also mix in some cheese. Parmesan adds a nice salty kick, while feta gives a creamy texture. Cheese makes the dish richer and more satisfying. If you want a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles instead of orzo. They cook quickly and soak up flavors well. For a gluten-free meal, you can use gluten-free orzo. Look for brands that use rice or corn to keep it tasty. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place the Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. It is best to eat it within three days. For proper containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help keep the food safe. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the food. The best way to reheat the dish is on the stove. Heat it in a skillet over low to medium heat. This method keeps the shrimp and orzo from becoming tough. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. To maintain texture, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This helps keep the orzo moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but stir every minute to avoid hot spots. To freeze the Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. For thawing, move the container to the fridge overnight. This keeps the shrimp safe. After thawing, reheat it on the stove with some broth, as mentioned above. This will help revive the dish's texture and flavor. It takes about 25 minutes to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet. You will spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. To thaw, place shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. This way, you can still enjoy this tasty dish. Absolutely! Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave it until warm. This dish tastes just as good the next day! Pair this meal with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that garlic butter goodness. Enjoy! In this post, we explored the key ingredients and steps for making Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet. From prepping shrimp to cooking orzo, the process is simple. We also shared tips on variations and storage. You can add your twist with seasonal veggies or different spices. This dish is great for quick meals or meal prep. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a tasty and easy meal!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Skillet

Indulge in the deliciousness of garlic butter shrimp orzo skillet with this quick and easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp, orzo pasta, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all infused with rich garlic and buttery flavors. Ready to impress at your dinner table? Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and make this savory meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound 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 or chicken broth

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Juice of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

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

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Toss in the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the orzo. Stir to coat the orzo with the butter and toast for about 2 minutes.

          Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

            Stir in the cherry tomatoes, cooked shrimp, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

              Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large pasta bowl or plate garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an additional lemon wedge on the side for a burst of color and freshness.