Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo
A bright and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in lemon-garlic butter with fresh spinach and tender orzo pasta. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, peeled and deveined large shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While orzo cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and sauté for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Add 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 6: Return the cooked shrimp and drained orzo to the skillet. Toss everything together until heated through and evenly coated.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Orzo?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
