Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo

"What shall we make for dinner?"  A frequent question in our house.  For me, I first check the freezer to see what will be the protein before heading to the grocery store.  This past Friday it was Shrimp.  Eric found a great Shrimp and Asparagus recipe with orzo that we tried out. worked out  great because Asparagus is in season.  the end result is delicious and will be repeated soon.

 2 Tbsp. butter, divided

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 lb. raw peeled and deveined shrimp

1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided

½ cup finely chopped shallots

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 ¼ cups dry orzo pasta

3 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 8 oz. fresh asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel, and season evenly with ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper.

Heat 1 Tbsp. each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Arrange shrimp in skillet, avoiding any overlap; cook 3 minutes, flip, and cook 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

(Note: cook shrimp in two separate batches if skillet isn't large enough.)

Add remaining 1 Tbsp. each of butter and olive oil to pan. Add shallots and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until aromatic. Add orzo, stir to coat; cook 1 to 2 minutes, to lightly toast grains.

Add broth, remaining ½ tsp. salt and ¾ tsp. cracked black pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

During the final few minutes, stir in spinach or asparagus. Cover and continue cooking until spinach is wilted (or asparagus is tender with still some bite). Uncover and stir in lemon zest and juice.

Nestle shrimp back into skillet and garnish with fresh parsley and extra cracked black pepper, if desired.

*I also love to garnish this dish with sautéed lemon slices, however it's simply for aesthetics.