Shrimp Scampi Orzo

This easy shrimp scampi orzo recipe is a one pot meal that combines hearty pasta with the traditional flavors of shrimp scampi! It has a bright and buttery yet light white wine sauce.

Ingredients · Servings 4

3 tablespoons butter
1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails removed)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (see note)
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Method · 30 min

Add the butter to a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes/side or until they're cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and leave the remaining butter in the bottom of the pot.
Add in the orzo, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, and let it cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often.
Add in the wine and let it bubble for about 30 seconds (let it almost completely evaporate), then stir in the chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle boil, then continue cooking for 12 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often ensuring the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. You will likely need to turn the heat down (to medium or even medium-low). It should steadily simmer vs. boil furiously, and you don't want the liquid to reduce too much before the orzo is cooked.
Stir in the shrimp, lemon juice, and parsley.
Take the pot off the heat, and cover it for 3 minutes until more of the broth has been absorbed. Season with salt & pepper as needed, and serve immediately with some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Why you’ll love it

The simplicity of Shrimp Scampi is what makes it an everlasting classic. It has very few ingredients, allowing each of them to shine. We’re talking plenty of garlic, a squeeze of bright lemon juice for acidity, and the addition of orzo pasta here to make it filling!

This orzo with shrimp recipe feels fancy despite being ready in just 30 minutes, so it’s a fantastic choice for date night or easy entertaining, especially since it’s made all in one pot. The naturally sweet, succulent shrimp just go so well with everyone’s favorite pasta!

What you’ll need

Wine – use a dry white wine that you’d also drink (i.e., not cooking wine). My go-to is sauvignon blanc or pinot gris.
Parsley – don’t skip it! It’s not just a garnish and adds essential fresh flavor.

Helpful tips

Frozen shrimp are always my choice because they’re actually much fresher than the thawed (previously frozen) ones at the fish counter.
One pot pasta recipes can vary from kitchen to kitchen because of different stovetops and cookware, altitude, etc. Use your best judgment and adjust the liquid ratios and/or cooking temperature accordingly as you go along.

How to make shrimp scampi with orzo

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Heat up the butter in a soup pot or Dutch oven, and add in the shrimp. Cook on both sides until cooked through (pink). Transfer them to a plate, and leave the butter in the pot. Add in the orzo, garlic, and crushed red pepper, and toast it (stirring often) for a couple of minutes.

Pour in the wine, and let it reduce. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until the orzo is cooked, stirring periodically. Add the shrimp, lemon, and parsley. Remove from the heat, and cover until more broth has absorbed. Season with salt & pepper.

Tools for this recipe

Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

Thaw the shrimp quickly in a sieve or colander under cool running water.
Here’s my trusty cast iron Staub Dutch oven, and you’ll want to mince the garlic with a handy garlic press.
Butter is better in this butter dish that has measurement markings right on it!

Substitutions and variations

If you can’t or don’t want to use white wine, a good substitute is using chicken broth and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard to mimic the flavors.
Orzo is pasta, so I can’t speculate how subbing with rice would work.
For a standalone skillet recipe without the pasta, head on over to my Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi instead.

What to serve with shrimp scampi orzo

Freshly grated parmesan over top for serving is delicious.
I love a good Caesar salad with this dish, meaning a big bowl of romaine lettuce, my popular 10-Minute Caesar Dressing, these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Croutons, and a squeeze of lemon juice and dusting of fresh parm. Perfection.
A big slice of my Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread or a crusty baguette is a great pairing as well!

Leftovers and storage

As with other seafood recipes, I prefer to eat it sooner rather than later, but it will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge in a covered container.
Reheat slowly over a low heat on the stove so as not to overcook shrimp, and add a splash more chicken broth if needed since the orzo will absorb it.
I don’t recommend freezing it because it may change texture.

Shrimp Scampi Orzo

shrimp scampi orzo recipe is a one pot meal that combines hearty pasta with the traditional flavors of shrimp scampi! It has a bright and buttery yet light white wine sauce.