Creamy Lemon Pepperoncini Shrimp Orzo

Name: Creamy Lemon Pepperoncini Shrimp Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 lb orzo pasta; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers; 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 1 lemon, for zest; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; Lemon slices, for garnish

This creamy lemon pepperoncini shrimp orzo is a bright, tangy one-pan dinner that combines tender shrimp, asparagus, and orzo pasta in a richly flavored sauce. It's ready in under 30 minutes and requires only basic cookware.

🌍Mediterranean 🏷️Shrimp 🏷️Orzo 🏷️One-pan 🏷️Lemon Pepperoncini

🏷️

🏷️Asparagus

-0:00

frohneatsonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by frohneats

-0:00

frohneatsonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
2 shallots, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 lb orzo pasta
1/4 cup dry white wineoptional
4 cups chicken stock
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 lemon, for zest
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and sliced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden.
5
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6
Add the chicken stock, chopped asparagus, sliced pepperoncini, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Stir to combine.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8
Stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the butter, lemon zest, and fresh dill. Stir until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.
9
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra dill before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp; work in batches if needed so they brown rather than steam.
Add orzo directly to the broth to cook, allowing it to absorb flavor while softening.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and lemon juice to balance the pepperoncini tang.
Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much upon standing.

Substitutions

Pepperoncini peppers → roasted red peppers or capers (similar brine flavor)
Asparagus → green beans, zucchini, or spinach (adjust cooking time as needed)
Chicken stock → vegetable stock or seafood stock (keep acidity balanced)
Orzo → small pasta shapes like ditalini or risotto rice (similar texture and cooking time)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of stock or water to restore sauce consistency.

Equipment

large skillet or shallow saucepan (12-inch preferred) · wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even browning and proper texture.

What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers?

Use roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or capers for a similar briny, acidic component. Adjust quantity to taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.

How do I know when the shrimp is done?

Shrimp cooks quickly. It's done when it turns opaque and curls slightly, usually 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes it tough and rubbery.

Can I prep this ahead?

Chop vegetables and measure ingredients the day before. Cook the pasta separately if making ahead, then reheat gently with the sauce to avoid mushiness.