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Creamy Shrimp Orzo for Busy Nights

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This Shrimp Orzo Recipe is an easy, one-pan favorite with tender garlic butter shrimp and creamy, cheesy orzo that’s full of cozy flavor. Serve it with a slice of homemade garlic bread for a simple weeknight dinner that feels special.

creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo in a pot

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Shrimp Orzo Recipe

Flavor: Rich, garlicky, and buttery with tender shrimp, creamy Parmesan orzo, and sweet peas.

Why Make It: This one-pan meal delivers comfort and flavor without the extra effort or cleanup. It’s a quick and cozy weeknight dinner.

Recommended Tools: A large nonstick or stainless skillet with a lid, a microplane or fine grater, and an instant-read thermometer to ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread and a simple green salad.

Total Time: Under 30 Minutes Servings: 4 Cooking Method: Skillet

Ingredient Notes

orzo , oil , garlic butter , shrimp , broth , whipping cream , parmesan , parsley , garlic , wine , peas , onion powder , salt and pepper with labels to make rich and buttery Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo with writing

Shrimp: Large shrimp stay juicy and are less likely to overcook, making them perfect for a quick sear. Frozen shrimp work well, but be sure to thaw and pat them very dry before cooking.
Garlic Butter: Garlic butter adds layers of rich, savory flavor throughout the dish. Use prepared garlic butter as a quick and easy shortcut.
Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan from a block so it melts more smoothly and gives the best flavor and texture.
Orzo: Toasting the orzo briefly adds a light, nutty flavor and gives the dish more depth as it cooks.
White Wine: Dry white wine adds extra flavor to the sauce, while chicken broth is a great substitute. When choosing a white wine for cooking, pick one you enjoy drinking and look for a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, avoiding anything too sweet.
Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich finish. Half-and-half can be used instead, but the sauce will be a little lighter and slightly thinner.
Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little gentle heat. Swap the peas for broccoli, stir in fresh spinach at the end for an easy green boost, or try asparagus for a springy version with a bit more bite.

How to Make Shrimp Orzo

Stir in the shrimp and garlic butter and let it rest before serving.

Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear instead of steaming.
Pull the shrimp from the skillet as soon as they turn pink (and curve into a C-shape) to prevent them from overcooking.
Stir the orzo every few minutes to help it cook evenly and keep it from sticking to the pan.
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the broth is added. Boiling too hard can make the sauce separate or cook unevenly.
If the orzo thickens too much before serving, loosen it with a splash of broth or cream.

plated dish of Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo

Save It for Later

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, or the shrimp can turn firm.

More Fast Shrimp Dinners

Did you enjoy this Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Cook Time 20 minutes

3 minutes

Total Time 23 minutes

For the Garlic Butter

▢ 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
▢ 1 clove garlic minced
▢ 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Shrimp

▢ 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

For the Orzo

▢ 3 tablespoons garlic butter divided (see notes)
▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1½ cups orzo
▢ ½ cup dry white wine or additional chicken broth
▢ 2½ cups chicken broth
▢ ½ cup heavy whipping cream
▢ ½ cup frozen peas or chopped steamed broccoli
▢ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
▢ chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic clove and parsley. Set aside.
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon garlic butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to the skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in onion powder and orzo.
Add the wine and simmer for 1 minute or until mostly reduced. Add broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream, peas (or broccoli), and Parmesan. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more until creamy and heated through.
Return shrimp to the skillet along with any juices and stir gently to combine. Remove from heat and top with the remaining garlic butter. Cover and let rest 3 minutes to melt.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Save time by using 4 tablespoons of prepared garlic butter.
Frozen peas or steamed broccoli add color and texture—use what you have on hand. Asparagus or spinach are also great options.
Resting with garlic butter at the end adds extra richness and garlic flavor.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

creamy and savoury Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo in a bowl with writing

pot full of Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo with a title

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo with lemon slices

Garlic Butter Shrimp Orzo in the pot and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
See more posts by Holly