Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus & Capers

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus & Capers is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy, seared shrimp are infused with zesty lemon and garlic, tossed with tender orzo, crisp asparagus, and briny capers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Every bite is a perfect balance of citrusy, garlicky, and savory goodness, making this dish ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Juice of ½ lemon

For the Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tbsp butter

For the Vegetables & Sauce:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

2 tbsp capers, drained

1 lemon, sliced into thin wedges

1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & black pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Orzo:

In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil.

Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain any excess liquid, stir in butter, and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Squeeze in the lemon juice, stir, and remove from the pan.

Cook the Asparagus:

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.

Add the asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Toss in the capers and lemon slices, cooking for another minute.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and mix well.

Stir in the fresh thyme and parsley.

Return the shrimp to the pan, gently tossing everything together.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Serve:

Plate the dish warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with Asparagus & Capers

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly) will give the best flavor and texture. Pat them dry before cooking for a perfect sear.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking will make them rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Cook Orzo to Al Dente: To avoid mushy orzo, cook it just until tender, then drain any excess liquid and toss with butter or olive oil.

Balance the Lemon Flavor: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, but don’t overdo it—taste as you go! Add zest for extra citrusy depth.

Adjust the Heat: Red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can increase or decrease them based on your spice preference.

Enhance with Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a rich, nutty flavor to balance the tangy capers and lemon.

Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 plate (based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal

Protein: ~35g

Carbohydrates: ~45g

Fats: ~12g

Fiber: ~5g

Sodium: ~600mg

Sugar: ~3g