Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, you are in for a real treat with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe. Imagine succulent shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon and white wine, all tossed with tender orzo pasta that soaks up every bit of that heavenly flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, this dish will quickly become your go-to for a fuss-free yet impressive seafood dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish irresistible.

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp add succulent seafood goodness and a satisfying bite.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and acts as the perfect base to soak up the garlicky sauce.
• 6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic delivers that punch of aromatics that defines the whole dish.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creamy and rich, butter brings the sauce together with a velvety texture.
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Adds fruity notes and helps perfectly cook the shrimp without sticking.
• 1/3 cup dry white wine: A splash of wine brightens and deepens the sauce’s flavor.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh acidity cuts through the richness and adds freshness.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): Provides a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to awaken your palate, if you like a touch of spice.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, slightly nutty finish that complements the shrimp wonderfully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Cook the orzo to al dente perfection

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once ready, drain it well and set it aside. This easy step ensures the pasta remains perfectly textured, ready to absorb all the delicious sauce coming its way.

Step 2: Season the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture. This helps them sear properly and develop a lovely crust. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Sauté the shrimp until just cooked

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery if left too long. Remove from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Build the garlic butter sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, keeping the flavors bright and fresh.

Step 5: Deglaze with white wine and lemon juice

Pour in the dry white wine and the juice of one lemon, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. These bits are pure flavor gold and will enrich your sauce! Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating those wonderful notes.

Step 6: Combine orzo with the sauce

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the luscious garlic butter sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through. This step allows the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 7: Return the shrimp and add fresh parsley

Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the freshly chopped parsley. Toss everything together carefully to combine and lightly heat the shrimp without overcooking them again. The parsley adds a lovely burst of color and herbal brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. This finishing touch adds a savory depth and melts slightly into the warm orzo, rounding out the flavors perfectly.

Step 9: Serve immediately

Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe hot, with optional extra parsley and lemon wedges for an appealing presentation and added zest.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten the dish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the buttery sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side encourage everyone to add a little citrus zing as they wish, enhancing the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added nutrition and crunch. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce—never underestimate the joy of wiping your plate clean!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve the orzo in shallow bowls with shrimp arranged artfully on top, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. For a casual vibe, plate it family-style in a large skillet so everyone can dig in. You might even try scooping the shrimp and orzo into buttery lemon-rubbed ciabatta rolls for a delightful handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the shrimp and orzo together helps maintain the dish’s wonderful flavor for next-day meals.

Freezing

Because shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you must freeze, store the orzo and shrimp separately, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the shrimp chewy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best sear and flavor.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, vegetable or chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice works great as a flavorful substitute in your scampi sauce.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free orzo alternatives made from rice or corn if you need to avoid gluten.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas can be stirred in towards the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely according to your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Recipe enough for those moments when you want a meal that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Italian bistro but is wonderfully easy to make at home. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, lemon zing, tender shrimp, and comforting orzo pasta is pure magic on a plate. Give it a try—you might find it turning into one of your fastest favorites.

Print