Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce served over a bright lemon and parsley-infused orzo pasta. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free option) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 2 cups salted water (1/2 tsp salt) to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: While orzo cooks, heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the shrimp. Cook for 1 more minute, tossing gently until shrimp are coated in the buttery lemon garlic sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley into the shrimp mixture. Plate the lemon-parsley orzo and top with garlic butter shrimp for a bright, satisfying dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon-Parsley Orzo gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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