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Shrimp Orzo

A delightful dish combining tender shrimp and orzo pasta, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Shrimp
  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cooking Essentials
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • to taste salt and pepper
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Cook the Orzo
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the orzo and salt, cooking it according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Make sure it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook later. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but don't let it burn! Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth
  1. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Bring it All Together
  1. Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and squeeze the juice of one lemon over everything. Mix until the orzo and shrimp are well combined.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful Shrimp Orzo!

Notes

Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a Halal option. Prep ingredients in advance for quicker cooking. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.