Ever have one of those evenings where you’re craving something comforting but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal? That’s exactly where I found myself last week, staring into my fridge with a pack of shrimp and a box of orzo, hoping for inspiration. And let me tell you, this Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo (One-Pot Magic) was the delicious answer I didn’t know I needed.
It’s the kind of dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup, yet feels like a fancy dinner. The garlic butter sauce wraps around tender shrimp and orzo, creating a creamy, dreamy bite every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple and satisfying it can be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s talk about why this one-pot meal is going to become a staple in your kitchen. First off, it’s incredibly fast—perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things. You’re in and out of the kitchen in no time, with a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce and juicy shrimp appeal to everyone, from picky eaters to seafood lovers. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. You’ll appreciate having more time to relax after dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
What You’ll Need
When I’m planning to whip up this comfort food, I like to make sure I’ve got everything on hand to avoid last-minute store runs. A quick tip: check your pantry for staples like orzo and garlic, and if you’re buying shrimp, look for ones that are already peeled and deveined to save time. It makes a huge difference when you’re in a rush.
- Shrimp: The star of the show, delivering a tender, juicy bite.
- Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, velvety texture.
- Parmesan: Brings a nutty, cheesy finish to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness to balance the richness.
- White Wine: Optional, but enhances the scampi flavor (sub with broth if needed).
- Parsley: Fresh garnish for color and a hint of freshness.
INGREDIENTS
Getting everything ready for this seafood pasta is half the fun. I like to lay out all my ingredients on the counter before I start—it’s a little ritual that helps me stay organized. Plus, there’s something satisfying about seeing those fresh shrimp and vibrant parsley ready to transform into a cozy meal.
- – 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- – 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- – 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- – 4 cloves garlic, minced
- – ½ cup heavy cream
- – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- – 2 tbsp lemon juice
- – 2 cups chicken broth
- – 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- – Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Putting this one-pot meal together is straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking seafood. One thing I’ve learned is to keep an eye on the shrimp—they cook fast and you don’t want them to turn rubbery. Watch for that beautiful pink color as your cue that they’re just right.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, letting it soak up the buttery garlic flavor.
- Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost tender.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, frozen shrimp work great for Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water for faster results.
Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?
Yes, you can swap orzo for small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Keep in mind cooking times may vary for this dish.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Definitely, use chicken broth or a splash of grape juice with a bit of vinegar as a replacement in this recipe.
Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo (One-Pot Magic)
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo (One-Pot Magic)!
Nutrition Information
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Orzo (One-Pot Magic) after a long day. It’s quick, flavorful, and fills your home with the most amazing garlic butter aroma. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!