Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo Delight

The moment you take a bite of Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo, your taste buds will dance in delight. The bright zing of fresh lemon, the savory richness of garlic, and the tender crunch of asparagus create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite person after a long day, with the added bonus of being utterly delicious. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

This dish holds a special place in my heart as it often graces our family gatherings. I remember making it for my aunt’s birthday last summer, and watching everyone fight over the last bite was both hilarious and heartwarming. Whether it’s a fancy dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy every time.

I whipped up this dish for my friend’s surprise party, and let me tell you, the “mmm” sounds from the crowd were music to my ears.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully—perfect for this dish.

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined.

• Asparagus: Choose firm, vibrant green stalks for the best texture and flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; they add an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors; zest adds an extra citrus kick.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a creamy finish; sprinkle generously before serving!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings—adjust these to suit your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo

Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with shrimp, stirring until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do it! The aroma will be irresistible.

Add asparagus: Toss in chopped asparagus alongside shrimp. Sauté until bright green and tender-crisp—around 3-5 minutes will work perfectly.

Combine everything: Add cooked orzo into the skillet with shrimp and asparagus. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything while mixing gently to combine all flavors.

Finish with cheese: Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Now that you’ve mastered this fantastic Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo recipe, prepare yourself for rave reviews! Not only is it delicious, but it also showcases how easy cooking can be when you have great ingredients on hand! Enjoy every flavorful bite.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the orzo while you sauté the shrimp and asparagus. This way, everything finishes around the same time, ensuring hot and fresh bites.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap asparagus for broccoli or add cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. A dash of red pepper flakes can spice things up too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to maintain texture.

Sharing this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter mixed with delicious aromas filled the air.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to achieve even cooking.

What can I substitute for orzo?

You can use any small pasta like couscous or quinoa if desired.

How do I ensure my shrimp stays juicy?

Cook shrimp quickly on high heat until they turn pink; overcooking leads to rubbery texture.

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Orzo is a vibrant, flavorful dish that elevates any meal. With the zesty brightness of lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender asparagus perfectly paired with succulent shrimp, this recipe is sure to impress at family gatherings or casual dinners alike. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s a delightful feast for both the eyes and the palate!

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the orzo: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook orzo until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season shrimp with salt and pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
3. Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with shrimp; stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add asparagus: Toss in chopped asparagus; sauté for another 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Combine everything: Add cooked orzo to the skillet; squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and gently combine.
6. Finish with cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted; adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 220mg