Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over Orzo

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

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon juice served atop a bed of fluffy orzo pasta and fresh sautéed spinach for a bright, quick seafood meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, orzo pasta, fresh baby spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While orzo cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 cups fresh baby spinach. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tender, seasoning with 1/4 tsp salt.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet with spinach, add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: To serve, place cooked orzo on plates, top with shrimp and spinach mixture, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Lemon, and Spinach Over 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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