Creamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo – Easy One-Pot Dinner

Hey there, friend! Let’s chat about something I’ve been obsessing over lately: Creamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo – Easy One-Pot Dinner. If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and leaves you with just one pot to clean, you’ve hit the jackpot. I whipped this up last week on a busy Wednesday, and let me tell you, the garlicky, buttery aroma that filled my kitchen had everyone hovering around the stove, begging for a taste.

I love how this dish combines the classic vibes of shrimp scampi pasta with the comforting, risotto-like texture of orzo. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a date night but is so simple you’ll want to add it to your regular weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, who doesn’t love a quick dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it? Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment here), and let’s dive into making this seafood pasta masterpiece. I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to ensure your garlic butter shrimp pasta turns out perfectly every time. Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this together!

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: Italian-American

Category: Main Dish, One-Pot Meal

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need

I’m so excited to walk you through the essentials for this creamy shrimp scampi dish! When I first started making shrimp pasta recipes, I learned that ingredient quality makes all the difference. For the shrimp, I always go for fresh or frozen raw shrimp that’s peeled and deveined—saves so much time! If I’m at the market, I’ll ask for wild-caught if possible; the flavor is just unbeatable. For the orzo, any brand works, but I’m partial to DeLallo because it cooks up so nicely without getting mushy. And don’t skimp on the Parmesan—freshly grated is the way to go for that nutty, melty goodness. If you’re out of white wine, a splash of chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon works as a great substitute. You’ll notice how these choices elevate every bite!

• Shrimp: The star of this shrimp scampi recipe pasta, delivering juicy, tender bites.
• Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy, garlicky sauce.
• Garlic: Essential for that signature garlic shrimp pasta recipes flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness to the garlic butter shrimp pasta base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious texture in this creamy shrimp scampi.
• White Wine: Brings a bright, tangy note to balance the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a cheesy, savory finish to this seafood pasta.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty kick to brighten up the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle heat that complements the shrimp.

INGREDIENTS

Gathering everything for this shrimp scampi with pasta is half the fun for me. I’m all about mise en place—having everything prepped and ready before I even turn on the stove. It makes cooking feel like a breeze, especially on hectic nights when I’m juggling a million things. I’ll chop my garlic, measure out the orzo, and thaw my shrimp (if frozen) under cold water while sipping my coffee. There’s something so satisfying about seeing all those little bowls lined up, ready to go. I remember the first time I made a shrimp pasta dish like this; I forgot the lemon and had to scramble at the last minute. Lesson learned—check your list twice! Let’s make sure you’ve got everything set for success.

• – 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• – 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• – 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 4 cloves garlic, minced
• – ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• – 1 cup heavy cream
• – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• – 1 tbsp lemon juice
• – ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• – 2 cups chicken broth
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

PREPARATION

Alright, let’s get into the fun part—cooking this creamy shrimp scampi orzo! I love how this dish comes together in one pot; it’s like magic watching it transform from a few simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. My biggest tip? Don’t overcook the shrimp—they only need a couple of minutes per side until they’re pink and curled. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than rubbery shrimp ruining your shrimp dinners. Keep an eye on the orzo too; stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. I remember burning a batch once because I got distracted by my kiddo’s homework—lesson learned! Don’t worry if it feels a bit intimidating at first; I’ve got your back with these easy steps.

1. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant—oh, that smell!
3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, letting it soak up the garlicky butter.
4. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for 1 minute to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Return the shrimp to the pot, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for 1 minute to warm through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 520 per serving
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 28g

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time

When it comes to shrimp recipes for dinner, cooking the shrimp just right is key. I always pat them dry with paper towels before cooking—it helps them sear nicely instead of steaming. Don’t crowd the pan either; give them space to cook evenly. If they’re not pink yet, give them an extra 30 seconds, but don’t overdo it. You’ll notice they curl into a “C” shape when they’re ready. Trust me, perfectly tender shrimp will elevate your shrimp scampi pasta to the next level.

Why Orzo Works So Well in This Dish

I’m a huge fan of orzo in pasta dishes like this because it’s so versatile. Unlike traditional pasta, orzo absorbs the sauce like a sponge, giving every bite of this creamy shrimp scampi an extra punch of flavor. Its small size also makes it cook faster, which is a win for quick dinner recipes. In my kitchen, it’s a staple for turning any seafood pasta into something cozy and comforting.

Customizing Your Creamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo

One thing I love about shrimp pasta recipes is how easy they are to tweak. Want more veggies? Toss in some spinach or peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. If you’re a spice lover, bump up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. I’ve even swapped the shrimp for scallops once, and it was divine. Make this easy dish your own—don’t be afraid to play around with it!

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

This garlic shrimp pasta recipe is a meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with a few sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house—it’s perfect for sopping up every last drop of that garlic butter shrimp pasta goodness. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pour a glass of crisp white wine to match the flavors in the dish. What’s your go-to pairing?

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers of this shrimp scampi with pasta (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce, as orzo tends to soak it up overnight. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You’ll notice it tastes just as amazing the next day!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely, and I do it all the time! Frozen shrimp are a lifesaver for weeknight dinners. Just thaw them under cold running water for about 5 minutes, pat them dry, and you’re good to go. I find that frozen shrimp often retain a great texture for shrimp pasta dishes like this. Don’t worry if you forget to thaw ahead of time; this quick method works like a charm.

What If I Don’t Have Orzo?

No stress if orzo isn’t in your pantry! You can swap it for other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even Arborio rice for a risotto vibe in your seafood pasta. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed—rice might take a bit longer. I’ve tried this with couscous once, and while different, it still soaked up that creamy shrimp scampi sauce beautifully.

Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

Yes, you can adapt this shrimp scampi recipe pasta to be dairy-free! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew-based cream for that silky texture. Use a vegan butter substitute and skip the Parmesan or use a nutritional yeast alternative. I’ve made it this way for a friend with dietary restrictions, and we were both thrilled with how creamy it still turned out.