All the flavors of this lemon asparagus orzo with shrimp pair perfectly. The asparagus is earthy, the lemon is bright, and the shrimp is sweet. Serve it as a simple elegant meal, or bring a big bowl to share at cookout!
Author:Alison's Allspcie
Prep Time:15 mins
Cook Time:10 mins
Total Time:25 mins
Yield:2 dinner portions, or 4 sides
Category:Entree
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp salt, divided
4-5 oz whole wheat orzo pasta
2 TBS butter
1/2 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and diced (1 1/2-2 cups)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch red pepper flake
1 TBS minced fresh parsley
1 small lemon, juiced
Instructions
Soak shrimp in 1/4 tsp salt to brine for 15-30 minutes. Drain (do not rinse) and pat dry with a paper towel.
Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook about 1 minute, or until just staring to turn opaque. Flip the shrimp and mix in asparagus and garlic. Cover and cook 1-2 more minutes, or until shrimp is fully cooked. (Don’t over cook or the shrimp will turn rubbery!)
Toss orzo with shrimp mixture and stir in remaining 1/4 tsp salt, black pepper, red pepper flake, minced parsley, and juice of 1 lemon.