This buttery and garlicky shrimp scampi with orzo and fresh oregano makes a delicious dinner that comes together in 20 minutes!
Shrimp scampi is a classic recipe usually made with shrimp served in a garlic, lemon, butter and herb sauce. My version of the dish includes white pepper for a mildly spicy flavor that contrasts well with the buttery shrimp.
Some recipes call for white wine in the sauce for shrimp scampi but I actually prefer the pure garlic, lemon, butter and herb flavors, so this recipe is made without wine.
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Recipe ingredients:
How to make orzo shrimp scampi:
See full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below!
Step 1. Cook the orzo pasta.
Step 2. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan.
Step 3. Cook the shrimp.
Step 4. Stir in garlic, then tomato, lemon juice and zest, salt, white pepper and oregano. Bring to a quick boil, then add the orzo pasta and serve.
Recipe notes, tips and questions:
Butter adds its signature flavor to the sauce but pure butter would make it a little too rich. Olive oil adds both flavor and volume to the sauce while also lightening it up.
You can use any size shrimp for this recipe.
I like to cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks so you get shrimp in every bite.
Yes. If you add the garlic before the shrimp, you run the risk of burning it before the shrimp are done. Since garlic cooks very quickly (in less than a minute), it’s perfect to add it after the shrimp are cooked.
Yes, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More delicious shrimp recipes:
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Full Printable Recipe
Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Fresh Oregano
Equipment:
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
- garlic press (optional)
- citrus zester
- citrus juicer
- pot
- colander
- skillet
- rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces uncooked orzo pasta (that's a little bit less than ⅔ cup)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 ounces raw shrimp*, thawed, peeled, deveined and cut into bite-sized chunks
- 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 2 ripe tomatoes, quartered, cored and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon finely ground white pepper
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano (you need about nine 6-inch sprigs with fully grown leaves or an equivalent amount for that)
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta to desired doneness. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
- Add butter and olive oil to a skillet and heat on low until the butter is melted.
- Turn the heat up to medium, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds, then turn the heat off.
- Stir in tomato, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, white pepper and oregano.
- Turn the heat back on, bring the sauce to a quick boil, then turn the heat off, stir in the cooked orzo and serve.
Notes:
Nutrition Information (Estimated):
Nutrition values provided on this website are generated from a nutrition database and are estimates only. The accuracy of the nutrition information for any recipe on this website is not guaranteed. Nutrition values can vary quite a lot depending on which brands are used.
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