Next Post
The Best Simple Vegan Potato Salad.
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Bringing together all the flavor with this Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo. Golden seared shrimp in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s truly so delicious. This easy recipe is made all in one skillet with fresh herbs, bell peppers, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s simple and quick cooking, yet roll your eyes back GOOD. Serve this skillet shrimp over a simple lemony basil orzo for a quick and easy summer dinner. This dish makes great use of those delicious herbs and garden bell peppers. It’s the 25-minute dinner that everyone will love!
There are two things I really love about summer shrimp recipes. One, shrimp cooks up in no time at all, so it usually makes for a quick and simple summer dinner. And two, shrimp can really take on so many flavor profiles. From spicy Mexican, to herby Italian, and in today’s case a little spicy southern flare.
I’m not sure what brought on the inspiration for this recipe, other than the fact that I knew I had a bag of shrimp in the freezer and needed a quick weeknight dinner. Sometimes the best inspiration really does comes from the ingredients you have on hand.
I remembered this creamy chicken lazone I shared last year. I LOVED that sauce so much. So I kind of based this recipe off of that. I used it for this shrimp with a few new additions and it turned out just delicious.
I love to give you guys simple and complete meals…all in one’s. Because in reality, when I develop recipes, I develop them as I would want to make them. And personally, I don’t want a recipe just for shrimp in a cream sauce. So we’re making a quick basil orzo to serve alongside the shrimp.
Start with the orzo since the shrimp cooks so fast. Simply boil it off and toss it together with olive oil, lots of fresh basil, lemon, and a pinch of salt. Nothing fancy, but I find it to be a nice switch up from say rice, which is often served with shrimp.
While the orzo cooks, make the shrimp
I tossed the shrimp in a bowl with a mix of spices that’s essentially a homemade cajun seasoning blend. It’s one of my favorite spice mixes to keep on hand for quick meals like this.
Once the shrimp is tossed in the spices, just sear it in a skillet, then add a small pat of butter. Pull the shrimp out of the pan then toss in lots of bell peppers. Add a splash of wine, then some milk to create a creamy sauce. You can use any milk…nut milk, whole milk, or in my case goat milk…all will work.
Finish the sauce off with a small amount of parmesan cheese, then simply slide the shrimp right back in.
Now serve it up
At this point, the orzo should be finished and you can spoon the creamy sauce and shrimp over plates of warm orzo. As with a lot of my summer dishes, I like to top this with plenty of fresh herbs. Today it was basil.
If you’re feeling it, a side of beer bread or crusty bread would go really great with this dinner. It feels very southern and summery to me!
Then if you’re really trying to impress, make a side salad and you’ll have the perfect simple summer dinner. It’s fresh, bright and so delish!
Looking for other simple skillet recipes? Here are a few ideas:
20 Minute Florentine Butter Chicken with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Skillet Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Chicken
One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake
Lastly, if you make this Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 634 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon plus 1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1 cup milk or heavy creamy
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and add it right back to the hot pot. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup basil, lemon juice, and season with salt.2. Meanwhile, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning.3. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook on both sides until seared, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add the butter, then remove the shrimp from the pan. 4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, bell peppers, garlic, and thyme. Cook another 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the wine. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Then add the milk, parmesan, and 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Slide the shrimp into the sauce, simmer 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in a handful of basil.5. Spoon the orzo onto plates, then spoon the shrimp and sauce over the orzo. Top with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Notes
Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup.
This post was originally published on June 16, 2021
Question: recipe says it serves 2. It calls for 1 lb orzo and 2 lbs of shrimp which sounds like a lot for two people. Please confirm. Thank you. Sounds delish.
Can you sub Greek yogurt in for cream?
Hey Lucy,
Sure that will work well for you! I hope you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! xTieghan
Hey Jo,
Sorry that original serving size was a typo, it has now been fixed, the recipe will make 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
Is this REALLY 2 servings?
Hey Jodi,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
Any suggestion what to use in place of bell peppers (I’m allergic)? I usually use carrots but wondered if something else might better compliment this dish
Hey Cathy,
Zucchini would also be delicious here. I hope the recipe turns out amazing for you. Please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Is 2 pounds of shrimp for 2 servings correct?
Hey Jill,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
The servings say makes 2.
This looks like ingredients for at least 6.?
Hey Ellen,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
There’s no butter in the ingredient list—how much is added in?
Hey Sam,
The recipe is fixed, you will want to use 1 tablespoon of butter. I hope you love the dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I think you should alter the serving size to 6, you’d never eat 2lb of shrimp and 1lb of orzo between 2 ppl! Is this a mistake?
Love your recipes and make alot of them often!
Hey Lee,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
Looks delicious
What can I substitute wine with??
Hey Farrah,
You can use broth in place of the wine. I hope you love the dish, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
The answer is “one serving”.
As in: “This looks absolutely delicious, and I probably could eat the entire thing by myself in one serving.”
That may not apply to everyone though. 😀 Looks fantastic, Tieghan – will definitely try this one!
Hey Aline,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
Same question as the other commenters regarding number of servings. Also, you mentioned homemade Cajun seasoning blend but did not provide recipe — your link goes to Thrive Market. Do you have a recipe for homemade?
Hey Cathy,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! Here is the homemade cajun seasoning:
Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup. xTieghan
I’d love to make this on the weekend but quick question; a pound of orzo and 2 pounds of shrimp for 2 people? Just seems like a lot…
Hey Patti,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, this sounds amazing but is the number of servings listed correct? 2lbs of shrimp and 1lb of orzo seem like a lot for two people. Thanks!
Hey Aly,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
For those not able to eat shellfish could you substitute chicken?
Hey Maureen,
Sure, chicken would be delicious! I hope the recipe turns out amazing for you! Please let me know if you give it a try. xTieghan
This looks delicious and I plan on making it tonight!
It is listed as 2 servings with 1 lb orzo and 2 lbs of shrimp. That would be fantastic at 478 calories ?
Hey Robin,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan
This is what’s for dinner tonight. Thank you!
One question please. Recipe states it is written for 2 servings. Is that correct?
Hey Janet,
So sorry for any confusion, the recipe is fixed, it is meant for 6 servings. I hope you love the dish! xTieghan