Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Combine the finest olive oil, freshly grated lemon zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, some fiery red pepper flakes, and dried parsley in a small bowl. Add succulent shrimp and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Next, melt a generous amount of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a healthy dose of olive oil to the pot and stir in orzo and a finely chopped onion, tossing the ingredients together until they are well coated. Cook, stirring constantly, until the onions become translucent and the orzo is lightly toasted to perfection, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add a minced clove of garlic to the pot and stir until it is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, deglaze the pot with a glass of white wine and stir until the wine has cooked off completely. Pour in a rich chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste, cooking, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender yet still retains a pleasant firmness to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add some frozen peas and the marinated shrimp with their zesty dressing to the pot, cover it, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn a light pink hue, 3 to 4 minutes.

Finally, divide the orzo mixture between two dishes, sprinkle with some fresh parsley for added flavor and color, and garnish each dish with a slice of lemon to complete the dish.