Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo and Spinach
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Orzo and Spinach is a quick, flavorful dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into a culinary delight. This one-pan meal features succulent shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both busy evenings and impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large peeled shrimp
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- 3. Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add cooked orzo and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes). If dry, add reserved pasta water.
- 5. Add Flavor: Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture, stir in Parmesan cheese, and return shrimp to the skillet. Mix well.
- 6. Serve: Plate the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg