Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Orzo: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Bright & Fresh: Lemon zest and juice add a refreshing tang.
Creamy & Comforting: A touch of milk or cream makes the orzo irresistibly rich.
Quick & Easy: The shrimp cooks in under 10 minutes, making this a fast but impressive dish.

Ingredients
For the Lemon Parmesan Orzo:
– 3 tbsp butter
– 1 Onion, diced
– 2 cloves Garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Thyme
– 16oz package Orzo
– Zest from 1 lemon
– Juice from 1 lemon
– 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into1-inch pieces
– 1 cup milk or half-and-half
– ½ cup shredded Parmesan

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
– ½ tsp salt
– Juice from ½ a lemon

Instructions
Make the Lemon Parmesan Orzo:
1. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the orzo, stirring to coat in the butter. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then pour in the chicken broth and season with salt.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Stir in the milk or cream and add the chopped asparagus. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until the asparagus is tender.
7. Mix in the Parmesan, stir well, then cover again. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Sauté the Shrimp:
1. While the orzo is simmering, heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp, seasoning with Old Bay and salt.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
4. Squeeze in the lemon juice, toss to coat, and remove from heat.

Serving Suggestions
Plate the creamy lemon Parmesan orzo in a shallow bowl and top with the shrimp. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Make It Your Own
Swap the protein: Try seared scallops or grilled chicken instead of shrimp.
Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a little spice.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk and omit the Parmesan for a creamy, non-dairy option.

This dish is effortlessly elegant and incredibly flavorful—a perfect balance of creamy, bright, and savory. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, it’s bound to impress!