Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo: The 5 Best Reasons to Try

Introduction: A Weeknight Wonder for Your Table

Do you ever find yourself staring into the fridge after a long day, dreaming of a meal that’s both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully simple to prepare? Something that feels a little special, but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen? If so, you’re in the right place! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s about to become your new weeknight favorite: a vibrant and comforting Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo. It’s a recipe that marries the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the earthy goodness of spinach, all nestled in a creamy, satisfying orzo. Get ready to fall in love with a meal that nourishes both body and soul, bringing a touch of Mediterranean magic right to your dinner table.

Why Make This Recipe

This Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo is not just another recipe; it is a culinary experience made for ease and enjoyment. Here’s why you will make it again and again:

• Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes with little fuss.
• Bursting with Flavor: A mix of sweet shrimp, strong garlic, fresh spinach, and creamy orzo makes a symphony of tastes.
• Healthy & Wholesome: It is full of lean protein, iron-rich spinach, and whole grains. It is a meal you can feel good about.
• Minimal Cleanup: The cleanup is very easy, making it even better.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters often like the tender shrimp and pasta.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

You will follow simple steps to create a perfect Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo. You will prepare your items first. Then, you will cook the shallot and garlic to make a tasty base. Next, you will cook the orzo in broth. After that, you will add the shrimp and spinach. Finally, you will add lemon juice, butter, and spices to finish the dish.

Ingredients of: Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

Here is a clear list of everything you will need to make your delicious Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo:

• Proteins & Produce
• Large uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, with tails on or off
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Shallot or small onion, finely diced
• Lemon, for juice and zest
• Pantry Staples
• Orzo pasta
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Vegetable broth (optional, for deglazing)
• Seasonings & Garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions of: Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Prepare your shrimp, spinach, garlic, and other items for a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Cook the shallot and garlic to build a fragrant flavor base.
3. Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo directly in the pan with broth. Let it soak up maximum flavor.
4. Add Shrimp and Spinach: Add the shrimp and spinach at the right time. Cook them perfectly without overcooking.
5. Finish with Flavor: Add the final touches. Include lemon juice, butter, and seasonings to bring everything together.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

• Serve this dish by itself.
• Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add a simple side salad with a light dressing.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

• Do Not Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Take it out as soon as it turns pink and not see-through. This stops it from becoming rubbery.
• Fresh Garlic is Best: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Season as You Cook: Taste and adjust your seasonings as you cook.

Variation

This Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo is very flexible!

• Add More Veggies: Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for more color and flavor.
• Make it Creamier: Add a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end. This makes a richer sauce.
• Spice It Up: Use more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a welcome kick.
• Cheese Please: Try other cheeses like feta or a pinch of goat cheese.

FAQs

#### Q1: Can I make Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo ahead of time?

You can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. You can chop your garlic and shallots. You can even cook the orzo a few hours before. It is best to add the shrimp and spinach fresh to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

#### Q2: What is the best way to prevent the orzo in my Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo from sticking?

Use enough liquid (broth) and stir often, especially at the start of cooking. This helps prevent the orzo from sticking. Adding a little olive oil to the pan before adding the orzo also helps.

#### Q3: I do not have fresh spinach. Can I use frozen for this Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo recipe?

Yes, you can! If you use frozen spinach, thaw it. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the pan. This stops your sauce from becoming watery.

Vibrant Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo

This recipe combines succulent shrimp and fresh spinach with creamy orzo pasta, infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese for a vibrant and flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Large uncooked shrimp peeled, deveined, with tails on or off
• 6 oz Fresh spinach
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves minced
• 1 medium Shallot or small onion finely diced
• 1 medium Lemon for juice and zest
• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare all ingredients by peeling and deveining shrimp, mincing garlic, dicing shallot, and zesting and juicing the lemon.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced shallot for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the orzo and broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente and liquid is absorbed.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2-4 minutes until pink, then stir in spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, then season to taste.
• Serve immediately, optionally garnished with more Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference for more or less heat. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.