Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Pasta

Name: Shrimp Scampi with Orzo Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
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

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This buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi with orzo pasta makes a quick and easy delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in 20 minutes!

For more buttery lemon garlic pasta flavors, also check out this lemon garlic kale pasta with gruyere!

Shrimp scampi with orzo in a cast iron skillet with a rubber spatula.

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What’s in shrimp scampi with orzo?
How to make it:
Recipe notes, tips and questions:
More delicious shrimp pasta recipes:
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What’s in shrimp scampi with orzo?

Shrimp scampi with orzo is made with all the traditional shrimp scampi ingredients (shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, butter, herbs), plus orzo pasta. The unique, rice-like shape of orzo pasta works great in this dish because the buttery scampi sauce coats the orzo pasta perfectly. To get a piece of juicy shrimp in every bite make sure to cut the shrimp into bite-sized chunks.

Orzo shrimp scampi ingredients on a kitchen counter. — You need shrimp, oregano, garlic, tomatoes, white pepper, salt, orzo, lemon, olive oil and unsalted butter for this recipe.

How to make it:

See full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below!

Even though this is not a one-pot meal, it’s still very fast and easy to make and requires little cleanup.

Step 1. Cook the orzo pasta.

Cooked orzo pasta in a colander on a blue plate.

Step 2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.

Melted butter and olive oil in a cast iron skillet.

Step 3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.

Cooked shrimp in butter in a cast iron skillet.

Step 4. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a quick boil, then add the orzo pasta and serve immediately.

Orzo shrimp scampi being cooked in a cast iron skillet.

Recipe notes, tips and questions:

Why use butter and olive oil rather than just butter for the sauce?

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.

What size shrimp is best to use for shrimp scampi?

You can use any size shrimp for this recipe because you will be cutting the shrimp into bite-sized chunks.

Is it important to add the garlic after the shrimp?

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.

Can I store leftovers?

This dish is best fresh but, yes, you can store leftovers. Transfer them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.