Description

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Spinach Orzo is a quick and elegant meal featuring tender shrimp, flavorful orzo, and a creamy herb ricotta swirl. It’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors and perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

300g orzo pasta
400g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter
150g baby spinach
200g whole milk ricotta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp extra lemon zest
0.25 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Salt to taste

Instructions

Cook Orzo: Boil broth, add orzo, cook until al dente (8-9 minutes), and drain.
Make Ricotta: Combine ricotta, parsley, basil, zest, pepper, and oil; chill.
Sauté Garlic: Sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant (30 seconds).
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to skillet, season, and cook until pink and opaque (2 minutes per side).
Make Sauce: Melt butter in skillet, add lemon juice and zest; stir.
Combine: Return orzo to skillet, add spinach, and wilt. Add shrimp and season.
Swirl Ricotta: Dollop chilled ricotta and gently fold into mixture.
Plate: Serve with shrimp, drizzle sauce, garnish with pine nuts and zest.

Notes

Chilling the ricotta before adding it helps it hold its shape. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent it from becoming rubbery.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: shrimp,orzo,lemon,garlic,spinach,ricotta,pasta,easy dinner,weeknight meal