Lemon Shrimp Scampi Orzo

Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining, this recipe gives you all the flavor of shrimp scampi in a comforting, pasta-like dish without the need for multiple pots and pans.

For more one pan dinners, check out also this Pollo al Limone (Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken) or this Pasta e Piselli (Creamy Pasta with Peas).

🧾 Ingredients

• Raw Shrimp - Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) work best for this recipe because they stay juicy and meaty even after cooking. Choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience, but if you buy them shell-on, you can save the shells to make a quick seafood broth.
• Orzo Pasta - A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and evenly, making it perfect for absorbing the lemony, garlicky sauce. You can find orzo in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle.
• Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they give that distinct scampi aroma and flavor. Slice or mince them finely so they release their oils evenly without burning.
• Butter & Olive Oil - Using both gives you the richness of butter while the olive oil prevents it from burning at high heat. Always choose extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• White Wine - A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brightens the sauce and adds depth. Avoid sweet wines, which can make the dish taste unbalanced.
• Lemon Juice & Zest - Use fresh lemons, never bottled juice, for the brightest flavor. The zest contains essential oils that add incredible fragrance to the dish.
• Vegetable Broth - Cooking the orzo in broth instead of plain water infuses it with more flavor. Low-sodium broth is best so you can control the seasoning.
• Fresh Parsley and Chives - Chopped parsley and chives add a clean, herbal freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
• Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes - Season generously to balance the richness. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with seafood.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

• Shrimp Scampi without wine - Replace wine with extra broth and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for acidity.
• Gluten-free - Use gluten-free orzo or a small gluten-free pasta such as ditalini or mini shells.
• Dairy-free - Use only olive oil in place of butter. You can also add a splash of coconut cream for a different richness.
• Shrimp alternative - Substitute with scallops, chunks of firm white fish, or even chicken for a non-seafood version.

🥣 Variations

• Creamy version - Stir in 60 ml (¼ cup) of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving for a richer texture.
• Vegetable boost - Add baby spinach, fresh peas, or chopped asparagus tips during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Herb twist - Swap parsley for fresh basil, dill, or chives to give the dish a different flavor profile.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. In a skillet, add olive oil, garlic and chili pepper, then cook the shrimps until pink.

Step 2. Remove the shrimps and add the soffritto and minced onion to the skillet.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve your Lemon Shrimp Scampi Orzo straight from the pan, topped with extra lemon zest for added brightness. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, or a side of homemade focaccia to soak up the garlicky sauce. A chilled glass of white wine-like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino-completes the meal perfectly.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the shrimp and orzo. However, if you must freeze, remove the shrimp and freeze only the orzo and sauce for up to 1 month, adding freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

🫶 Related recipes you might like

Looking for other seafood recipes like this one? Try these: