Greek Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Orzo

Ingredients

• 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 170 g orzo
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter(optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. 2

   While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper. Zest and juice the lemon; mince the garlic and chop the parsley.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque; transfer to a plate.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and (if using) butter; simmer 1–2 minutes to slightly reduce.

5. 5

   Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon-garlic sauce. Return shrimp to the pan and toss just until warmed through, about 1 minute.

6. 6

   Turn off heat and fold in parsley. Taste and adjust salt/pepper, then serve immediately.