Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

I bought a bag of orzo, which is rice-shaped pasta, sometime referred to as risoni. I was exploring recipe options online, but mostly all I found were orzo salad recipes. I wanted to make a hot dinner with orzo that would be creamy and satisfying. I decided to make it like risotto in a way, but much easier.

I marinated some shrimp with lots and lots of garlic and some heat. I used Calabrian chili paste, but you could also use red pepper flakes if you like.

I buy frozen shrimp in a bag for its convenience. They are already peeled and diveined. I just need to defrost them and remove their tails. The bag usually lasts for about 4 meals.

The scampi came out super flavorful and creamy without using any cream or cheese. Serve with Italian baguette to enjoy all the juices.

I hope you like my Shrimp Scampi With Orzo.

Shrimp Scampi With Orzo

Donna

A rich and satisfying way to serve a garlicky scampi dish.

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Course dinner, entree,

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 8 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Calabrian Chili Paste (or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups orzo
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon Italian flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, add shrimp, half of the olive oil, the garlic, lemon zest, chili paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add about a tablespoon of the white wine and save the rest for later. Stir to combine, and set aside to marinate.
• In a small sauce pan, combine the chicken stock and water and bring to a boil.
• In the meantime, put the butter and the remaining olive oil in a large deep skillet. Add the shallot and cook over medium heat until it starts to soften, about 4 minutes.
• Add the orzo and stir for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast the pasta. Add the remaining white wine and cook until it is almost absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add the boiling chicken broth/water combo, stir to combine. Cover, and cook until the orzo is al dente, about 12 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and all of the marinade over the top of the cooked orzo. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes (depending on the size of your shrimp).
• Remove the cover, stir, sprinkle with parsley, and let cook for another 2 minutes to thicken up a little. Serve.

Keyword orzo, shrimp