Name: Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo: 25-Minute Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh Shrimp; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 cup Orzo Pasta; 2 cups Spinach; 1 whole Lemon (Zest & Juice); 2 tablespoons Butter; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 cup Pasta Water

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something quick yet elegant. This dish combines fresh shrimp sautéed in a zesty garlic and lemon sauce with tender orzo pasta and vibrant spinach, creating a delightful Mediterranean experience in just 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

This dish is not just quick to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy nights.
Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and iron from spinach, it’s a nutritious choice.
Zesty flavor: The combination of lemon and garlic elevates the shrimp, making every bite refreshing.
Versatile: It can be served as a main dish or as a side, perfect for any occasion.
Easy cleanup: Cooked in one skillet, simplifying your post-meal chores.
Meal prep friendly: Great for those who like to prepare meals in advance.

With its Mediterranean cuisine influence and low-calorie profile, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

Gather these items:

1 pound Fresh Shrimp (Provides essential protein and B12; use fresh for best taste.)
3 cloves Garlic (Gives aromatic depth; avoid burning.)
1 cup Orzo Pasta (Acts as a creamy base; can swap with penne or fettuccine.)
2 cups Spinach (Adds color and nutrition; can substitute with kale.)
1 whole Lemon (Zest & Juice) (Brightens flavor; use fresh for max taste.)
2 tablespoons Butter (Creates a rich sauce.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Works well with butter for richness.)
1 cup Pasta Water (Adds moisture; reserve before draining orzo.)

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the orzo according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Add fresh shrimp in a single layer to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.
Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 5: Add drained orzo, fresh spinach, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, tossing to combine and warm for an additional minute.
Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest if desired.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo: 25-Minute Delight - Lemon Garlic Shrimp with - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy lemon garlic shrimp version.

Best Ways to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

Serve over a bed of zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta for a filling dinner.
Pair with a fresh salad for a light, healthy meal.
Enjoy as a filling in lemon garlic shrimp tacos with fresh toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

For leftovers, store your lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little pasta water to keep it moist. This dish is also great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Shrimp with

What’s the secret to perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp with?

The key to achieving perfect lemon garlic shrimp is cooking the shrimp just until they turn pink and are curled. Overcooking can make them tough. Pairing them with fresh lemon juice and zest enhances the flavor.

Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp with ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemon Garlic Shrimp with?

Avoid common mistakes like overcooking the shrimp or forgetting to reserve pasta water. These tips will ensure your dish remains flavorful and moist.

Variations of Lemon Garlic Shrimp with You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Use lemon garlic shrimp skewers for a fun grilling option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a lemon garlic shrimp stir fry.
Try a lemon garlic butter shrimp version for an extra rich sauce.
Create a low-carb lemon garlic shrimp meal by serving it over zucchini noodles.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo: 25-Minute Delight - Lemon Garlic Shrimp with - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our quick pasta dishes and healthy shrimp recipes. You can also explore Mediterranean cuisine for more inspiration!