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Easy One Pot Meal: Lemon Shrimp with Orzo & Spinach

A recipe perfect for busy weeknights, Easy One Pot Meal: Lemon Shrimp with Orzo & Spinach
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp uncooked, cleaned, peeled, w/o tails
  • 4 cloves minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • lemon zest from one lemon
  • lemon juice from one lemon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
  • 4 tbsp white cooking wine
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • If using frozen shrimp, defrost it according to package directions. Be sure to drain the shrimp thoroughly before using.
  • Mince 4 cloves of garlic. Set aside.
  • Chop the baby spinach and set aside.
  • Zest the lemon. Set aside.
  • Place the shrimp into a large Ziploc bag. You can use a bowl if necessary.
  • Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the shrimp.
  • Sprinkle 1/2 of the minced garlic over the shrimp.
  • Add the lemon zest.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the shrimp.
  • Seal the bag and shake it back and forth to coat in the oil, garlic, and lemon zest. 
  • Let rest 5 minutes.
  • Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet on medium high heat.
  • Add the rest of the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. If the garlic begins to brown too quickly, lower the temperature to medium heat.
  • Pour the shrimp, along with the entire contents of the bag, into the skillet. 
  • Squeeze the juice of the lemon you zested over the shrimp.
  • Cook the shrimp, flipping from time-to-time, until they are uniformly pink, about 4-5 minutes. Do not over cook.
  • Remove the cooked shrimp, along with the garlic, to a bowl and set aside.
  • Add the 1 cup dry orzo to the skillet.
  • Pour two cups of chicken broth over the orzo and stir to combine.
  • Bring the orzo and broth mixture to a vigorous simmer and cover. Be sure to stir the mixture regularly to avoid sticking.
  • Cook the orzo until the broth is almost entirely absorbed, about 8 minutes.
  • Sprinkle 4 tbsp of white wine, if using, over the orzo and stir.
  • Top the orzo with the chopped spinach and cover the pan. Lower the temperature to medium heat.
  • Let the spinach wilt, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir the spinach into the orzo.
  • Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan evenly over the orzo and spinach and stir.
  • Top with the cooked shrimp, stirring to incorporate into the orzo mixture.
Keyword 30 minute meal, easy dinner, lemon shrimp, lemon shrimp with orzo and spinach, one pot meal, orzo, spinach