Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp is the perfect dish! It’s packed with juicy shrimp, tender asparagus, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all coated in a buttery, lemony sauce. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a one-pan recipe that’s both easy and delicious.
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This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights. Plus, the combination of fresh veggies, seafood, and pasta creates a well-balanced meal that feels both light and hearty.
Why You’ll Love Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes, more flavor! Everything cooks in one skillet.
- Flavor-Packed: Buttery garlic shrimp, zesty lemon, and perfectly seasoned orzo make every bite irresistible.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Loaded with lean protein from shrimp, fiber from orzo, and vitamins from asparagus and spinach.
- Customizable: Swap the shrimp for chicken, add extra veggies, or spice it up with more Cajun seasoning.
What You Need To Make Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that create bold, delicious flavors. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below!
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and seasoned with a mix of bold spices.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a flavorful base.
- Seasonings – A blend of seafood seasoning, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and salt & pepper for an extra kick.
For the Orzo & Vegetables:
- Orzo Pasta – A small rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Onion & Garlic – The foundation for a flavorful, aromatic dish.
- Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the orzo while cooking.
- Asparagus & Spinach – Fresh, nutrient-packed veggies that balance the dish.
- Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up.
- Parmesan – For that final touch of savory goodness.
How To Make Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp
1
Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp generously.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté the shrimp until pink and fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2
Toast the Orzo
In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add in the orzo pasta, stirring frequently to toast it slightly for a nuttier flavor.
3
Cook the Orzo
Pour in chicken broth and let it come to a simmer.
Cook until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
If needed, add more broth a little at a time.
4
Add Vegetables
Stir in the asparagus and spinach.
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and let cook until asparagus is tender and spinach is wilted.
5
Combine & Serve
Add the shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss everything together to blend flavors.
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! You can swap shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use couscous, quinoa, or even rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the pasta from drying out.
Asparagus Orzo with Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Magic seafood seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Badia Complete seasoning
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Orzo:
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 2-2½ cups chicken broth add more as needed
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into quarters
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 2 lemons juiced
- 4 tbsp butter
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Clean and pat dry shrimp, season. Add butter to skillet and sauté until shrimp are cooked. Transfer to a dish on the side, leave butter in pan.
- In same skillet, add in onion and garlic. Cook until translucent. Add in orzo pasta, let cook together and toast for a few minutes.
- Add in 2 cups of broth, let come to a simmer and let cook until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. (Stir occasionally to prevent sticking). Add in a little more broth at a time if needed.
- Once orzo is al dente, add in more seasoning, asparagus and spinach. Squeeze in 1½ lemons and let cook until spinach is wilted and asparagus is cooked with a slight crunch.
- Add shrimp back in. Toss to marry flavors. Squeeze with last lemon half and sprinkle more Parmesan.
