Zesty Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
Indulge in this delicious Zesty Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Scampi with Orzo, a gourmet dish that blends perfectly cooked orzo pasta with succulent jumbo shrimp, flavored with fresh garlic and a burst of citrus. This light yet hearty meal is finished with fresh parsley, creating a delightful presentation that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy this high-protein dish that's quick to prepare and will elevate your meal to a fine dining experience in the comfort of your home.
4
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orzo pasta
1 cup (Uncooked)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Divided)
Unsalted butter
7 teaspoons (Divided)
Jumbo shrimp
1.5 lbs (Peeled and deveined)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (Bottled)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Squeezed)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente, then drain and transfer it to a medium bowl. Stir in the chopped parsley and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cover to keep warm.
2
2. While the orzo is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add half of the shrimp to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes or until they are almost cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp, using 1 teaspoon of butter for cooking.
3
3. Once all the shrimp are cooked, wipe down the skillet and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release its aroma.
4
4. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the fresh lemon juice along with the black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring gently until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
5
5. To serve, spoon the orzo onto a large platter and layer the shrimp along with the sauce on top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
15g
Carbs
26g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon-Pepper Shrimp Scampi with Orzo?
It is a gourmet seafood dish featuring jumbo shrimp, garlic, lemon, and black pepper served over a bed of parsley-flecked orzo pasta.
How many calories are in one serving of this shrimp scampi?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, it provides 26g of protein per serving, making it a high-protein meal option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What size shrimp should be used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How is the orzo prepared?
The orzo is cooked in salted water until al dente, then drained and mixed with chopped parsley and salt.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
A total of 7 teaspoons of unsalted butter is used, divided throughout the cooking process.
Can I use bottled garlic for this scampi?
Yes, the ingredients specifically list 2 teaspoons of bottled minced garlic.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in this dish?
The zestiness comes from 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice combined with freshly ground black pepper.
How much fat is in a serving of this recipe?
There are 9g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
This dish contains 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this shrimp scampi recipe?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 0.75g of fiber.
How do you cook the shrimp to ensure they are perfect?
Sauté the shrimp in batches in butter for about 2 minutes until almost cooked through, then finish them in the lemon garlic sauce.
Should the shrimp be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before you begin sautéing.
How long do you sauté the garlic?
The minced garlic should be sautéed for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for a total of 1/2 teaspoon of salt, divided between the orzo and the shrimp.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to flavor the orzo and as a garnish.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare dish suitable for weeknight dinners.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Spoon the orzo onto a large platter and layer the shrimp with the lemon-pepper sauce on top.
Can I use fresh pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Does this dish contain any sugar?
The provided nutritional information indicates the sugar content is null or negligible.
Is this recipe categorized as gourmet?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet recipe that provides a fine dining experience at home.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp scampi, lemon pepper, orzo pasta, high protein, and healthy dinner.
Why do I cook the shrimp in batches?
Cooking in batches ensures the shrimp sauté properly in the butter rather than steaming.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to garnish the platter with extra parsley if desired.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I make this for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Should the orzo be kept warm while cooking shrimp?
Yes, after mixing with parsley and salt, you should cover the orzo to keep it warm.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.