1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic to have everything ready. This mise en place step takes about 10 minutes and ensures smooth cooking. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish watery.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Base Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma, building a flavorful foundation.

3-Third Step: Toast the Orzo Add 1 cup uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute until it’s lightly golden. This step enhances the orzo’s nutty taste and prevents it from becoming mushy. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning.

4-Fourth Step: Add Broth and Simmer Pour in 2½ cups low-sodium or vegetable broth, then season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking. This creates a creamy base for the rest of the ingredients.

5-Fifth Step: Cook the Shrimp Stir in 1 pound large shrimp and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the orzo is tender. The shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely to keep them juicy and not overdone, which takes the dish to about 20 minutes total cook time.

6-Sixth Step: Finish with Flavors Add the zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the mixture becomes creamy, which happens in just 1-2 minutes. This step brightens the flavors and ties everything together.

7-Final Step: Garnish and Serve Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. This Shrimp And Lemon Orzo makes a complete meal for four, with each portion around 364 calories and packed with protein. Discover if orzo is healthy through this helpful guide, which can inspire more pasta-based dishes.