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Garlic Herb Orzo with Shrimp

A skillet supper with tender shrimp, lemony orzo, parsley, and dill that feels restaurant-worthy but lands on the table fast.

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Skillet of orzo with shrimp, herbs, and lemon

Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash

This is one of those back-pocket dinners that reads polished but cooks like a pantry meal. Orzo gives you the comfort of pasta and the easy spoonability of risotto without the standing and stirring.

The shrimp go in at the end, so they stay sweet and tender.

Why it works

  • Orzo cooks directly in broth, so the pan gathers flavor quickly.
  • Lemon and dill keep the dish lively enough for warm weather, while garlic gives it depth.
  • Leftovers are still excellent cold for lunch.

Recipe card

Garlic Herb Orzo with Shrimp

A skillet supper with tender shrimp, lemony orzo, parsley, and dill that feels restaurant-worthy but lands on the table fast.

Prep10 mins
Cook18 mins
Total28 mins
Serves4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in the broth and tomatoes, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
  4. Add the shrimp, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
  5. Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • If the pan looks dry before the orzo softens, add a splash of water or broth.
  • Crumbled feta is lovely on top, but the dish does not need it.

Nutrition is not calculated on Harbor & Herb and should be treated as a general home-cooking estimate rather than precise data.

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