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Shrimp Orzo Primavera with Zesty Lemon and Basil

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Pixicook editorial team

A light and flavorful pasta dish featuring sautéed shrimp, orzo, and fresh vegetables, finished with lemon zest and basil.

Ingredients for Shrimp Orzo Primavera with Zesty Lemon and Basil

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Shrimp, Extra-large, peeled, deveined, tails off

0 lb

Salt

teaspoons

Pepper

teaspoons

Shallots, minced

each

Garlic, minced

cloves

Water

cups

Orzo

cups

Zucchini, quartered lengthwise, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick

0 oz

Pecorino Romano Cheese, grated

0 oz

Lemon Zest, grated

teaspoons

Basil, Fresh, chopped

cups

How to Make Shrimp Orzo Primavera with Zesty Lemon and Basil

1. Prep Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sauté shrimp, stirring occasionally, until edges begin to pinken, about 2 minutes. Remove shrimp to a bowl.

2. Aromatics

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons oil. Sauté shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Orzo & Veggies

Add water, orzo, zucchini, the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Boil, then cover and simmer over medium heat until orzo is al dente and water is nearly absorbed, 6-9 minutes.

4. Combine & Cook

Off heat, stir in peas, Pecorino, and lemon zest. Place shrimp atop orzo, press down slightly. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, about 1 minute. Cover and cook until shrimp are done, 3 minutes more.

5. Finish & Serve

Garnish with basil, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with additional Pecorino.

Variations

Seasonal Variations

Summer Orzo Primavera

Protein Swaps

Chicken Orzo Primavera

Cuisine-Inspired Variants

Asian-Style Orzo

Vegetable Variants

Introduce asparagus, sugar snap peas, or artichoke hearts to the mix of primavera vegetables for a change in flavor and texture. Roasted red peppers could also add a sweet and smoky element.

Dietary Adjustments

Gluten-Free Orzo Primavera

Pitfalls and tips

Quality of Ingredients

Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp, fresh basil, and organic vegetables to significantly impact the flavor of the dish.

Lemon Zest and Juice

Use fresh zest and juice for brightness, zest only the outer yellow skin, not the white pith.

Fresh Herbs

Use fresh basil added at the end of cooking for a more vibrant flavor and aroma.

Heat Management

Keep the pan at medium-high heat when cooking shrimp to get a good sear without overcooking.

Shrimp Prep

Clean and devein the shrimp, pat dry, and marinate with lemon zest, olive oil, and salt to infuse flavor.

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