Description
A vibrant and comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring spicy seared shrimp served over creamy lemon basil orzo. Packed with bold flavor, fresh herbs, and a citrusy kick, it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and a saucepan over medium heat.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In the saucepan, heat a little olive oil and toast the orzo for 1 minute.
- Add garlic, then pour in broth or water. Simmer for 10 minutes until creamy.
- Meanwhile, sear the shrimp in the hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Once orzo is tender, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
- Plate the orzo, top with shrimp, and garnish with extra basil and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Use broth instead of water for a deeper flavor.
- Add cream or cheese to the orzo for a richer version.
- Adjust red pepper to control the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: spicy shrimp, southern shrimp recipe, lemon basil orzo, quick shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner