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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
Delicious! I used a poblano pepper because that’s my current favorite to have on hand. We also did rice instead of orzo. My husband loved it too!
Hey Stephanie,
Happy Friday!! I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Very tasty! Did minor changes – no basil – used parsley. My fam is LF so used LF milk + cornstarch. Lots of flavour. Loved that you gave the recipe for the cajun spice. Will make again!
Hi Jane,
Awesome! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xxTieghan
Made this tonight and it was delicious! My husband who doesn’t even really like shrimp went back for seconds and thirds! Followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect! Will be adding this to our daily menu for sure!
Hey there,
Awesome! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xxTieghan
Fabulous. As we were eating my husband said this is something f that could be served in a restaurant—just like others said. My sauce could have been thicker. Need to read more reviews and see if any suggestions. Taste was awesome. Really does make 6 generous servings.
Hey Karen,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
I had to be this person, but do you think this would work with dry-fried tofu in place of shrimp? It sounds so yummy but my partner hates seafood.
Hey Jessica,
Sure, I don’t see why this wouldn’t work for you. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This was so good, I used oat milk and it was still very creamy.
Hey Sophia,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
If you are trying to eat cleaner or not eat dairy, what time of milk would you recommend?
Type*
Hey Caitlin,
I would use coconut milk. I hope you love this dish, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This was so easy and yummy to make. My boyfriend had 3 servings. Sooo good. Will be a permanent recipe on the “rotation”.
Hey Brett,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a wonderful weekend:) xTieghan
This spicy shrimp with orzo is Amazing! Served with fresh corn AND the Leftovers are even better! Can’t wait to make the lobster anc cherry tomatoes recipe next!
Hey Dana,
Happy Friday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed:) xTieghan
AMAZING!!!! SOO flavorful.. the sauce… the shrimp the orzo… heavennn
Hey Kayla,
Happy Friday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed:) xTieghan
This was so delicious! I can’t wait to make it again!
Hey Jennifer,
Awesome! I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed and truly appreciate you giving it a try! xTieghan
This was fantastic! halved the recipe for just me and my husband and he went nuts for it! Added fresh summer corn on top and it pushed it over the top! thanks for a great easy week night recipe!
Hey Stacey,
Fantastic!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
Loved it! Added some jalapenos for an extra kick. Was delicious! Will make your Cajun seasoning mix next time as mine from store seemed quite salty. Another keeper!
Hey Jeni,
Fantastic!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
If you like spicy, this is the best. I LOVED it. Can’t wait to make it again for friends. Thanks, Tieghan.
Hey Emily,
Fantastic!! I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan
Can I cut this recipe in half (3 servings) or is it best to do the full 6-serving portion?
Hey Kelly,
Sure, you can adjust the serving size manually and the ingredients will adjust for you. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan