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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Getting the right ingredients is key to this dish. First, I love using large shrimp. They are meaty and pack a flavor punch. When you peel and devein them, it makes them ready for cooking. Next up, we have orzo pasta. It's a short pasta that looks like rice and pairs so well with shrimp. Fresh spinach adds a lovely green color and nutrition. You can use baby spinach for a milder taste. I always have garlic on hand. It adds a strong flavor that makes each bite better. Olive oil is my go-to for cooking. It gives a rich taste and helps fry the shrimp perfectly. For a burst of freshness, I add lemon zest and juice. The zest gives a strong lemon flavor without the liquid. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. They can spice things up but feel free to skip them. Finally, salt and black pepper season the dish just right. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy. If you want the full recipe, check it out. Make sure to gather all these ingredients. They work together to create a dish that is bright, tasty, and satisfying. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cooking orzo is easy. You can choose any brand you like. Just remember to use enough salt in the water to enhance the flavor. Cooking time varies, so follow the package instructions closely for best results. - Warm olive oil and sauté garlic. - Add shrimp and season before cooking. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Next, add your shrimp. Season them with salt and black pepper. If you enjoy a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should be pink and opaque when done. - Stir in lemon zest and juice. - Add spinach and mix in cooked orzo. Once the shrimp are ready, stir in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. This brightens the dish. After that, toss in the spinach. Cook it just until it wilts. Finally, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Mix everything gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! To make your shrimp shine, ensure they cook evenly. This gives the best flavor. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on each side. If you burn the garlic, it will taste bitter. Sauté it gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep an eye on it! Presentation is key! Serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo in shallow bowls. This shows off the colorful mix of shrimp, spinach, and orzo. Add a lemon wedge on the side. It gives a fresh pop and looks great. A sprinkle of parsley on top adds color and flavor. Want to take your dish to the next level? Experiment with herbs or spices! Fresh basil or thyme can add a nice twist. You can also try a touch of paprika for warmth. Just remember to keep it balanced, so the lemon and garlic still shine. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_4}} If you want a change, you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken works great when cut into small pieces. Cook it the same way as the shrimp. Tofu is a great choice too. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess water. You can change the orzo to quinoa or rice. Quinoa adds a nice nutty flavor and a protein boost. Cook it according to package directions. Rice is another easy option. Use brown rice for more fiber and nutrients. Both swaps will keep the dish filling and delicious. Adding more veggies is a smart way to boost nutrition. Try greens like kale or Swiss chard for extra vitamins. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch and a pop of color. Just chop them up and toss them in with the spinach. This way, you create a fun mix of flavors and textures. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo section. Allow the dish to cool before putting it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the shrimp and orzo fresh. This way, they will stay tasty for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and the orzo nice. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir often for even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you want to freeze, pack the dish tightly in a freezer-safe container. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps keep the flavors intact. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo anytime you crave it! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To cook shrimp perfectly, start with fresh, raw shrimp. Heat olive oil in your skillet. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Then, add shrimp to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. When shrimp turns pink and opaque, they are done. This ensures tender and juicy shrimp every time. If you don’t have orzo, you can use several alternatives. Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Quinoa also works well for a gluten-free option. Rice is another good choice, though it will change the dish's texture. Each option brings its own flair to the meal. Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and orzo separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can combine them just before serving. This keeps the shrimp tender and the orzo firm. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking. The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. A teaspoon gives a mild kick. If you prefer it spicier, add more to taste. For a milder option, leave the flakes out. This dish can easily adjust to your spice level. Enjoy it just the way you like! Lemon garlic shrimp with spinach orzo combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors. You now know the main ingredients, such as shrimp and orzo, along with steps to cook them perfectly. Remember to follow my tips for great taste and presentation. Feel free to try variations like chicken or extra veggies. This dish is easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for leftovers. Enjoy creating your own version and share it with family or friends!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo

Savor the fresh flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo! This quick and easy recipe combines juicy shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant spinach, all tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner table with this delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a medium saucepan filled with salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the orzo well and set it aside for later.

    Meanwhile, in a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant—be cautious not to let it burn, as this will impart a bitter taste.

      Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if desired. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink color and become opaque throughout.

        Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Allow the shrimp to soak up these vibrant flavors by cooking for an additional minute.

          Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, tossing gently until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

            Now, incorporate the cooked orzo into the shrimp and spinach mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well combined, and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.

              Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients, and add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra touch of freshness.