Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 pound of orzo pasta and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking, then set aside.

While the orzo cooks, take 1.5 pounds of large shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels, and season generously with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder for extra flavor. Make sure they are well-coated as this will enhance the overall taste of your Shrimp Orzo Lemon Garlic Sauce.

In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the prepared shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in ½ cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add 1 cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 2 to 3 minutes. This base enhances the flavor profile of your Shrimp Orzo Lemon Garlic Sauce, creating a harmonious sauce.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon zest, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter until everything is melted and well combined. If you prefer a creamier texture, add ¼ cup of heavy cream at this stage, stirring gently until incorporated and smooth.

Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. Then, return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the dish, blending the flavors beautifully.

Finally, toss in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Shrimp Orzo Lemon Garlic Sauce hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.