Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon Orzo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, served over bright and fluffy lemon-infused orzo for a quick Mediterranean-inspired meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orzo pasta, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  2. Step 2: While orzo cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper during cooking.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve shrimp over the lemon orzo, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon 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 Shrimp with Zesty Lemon 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon 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 Shrimp with Zesty Lemon 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Lemon 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.

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