Easy One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe for Quick Dinners
A quick and easy one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp, garlicky orzo, and bright lemon flavors, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 190g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of one large lemon
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (720ml)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Add dry orzo to the same pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast lightly in the garlic oil.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.
- Nestle cooked shrimp back into the orzo. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently and serve with an extra lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
Do not skip toasting the orzo for added flavor. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. Keep an eye on liquid levels and add broth if orzo absorbs too quickly. Use fresh garlic and lemon zest for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit butter or use dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic shrimp, one-pot meal, quick dinner, easy dinner, weeknight meal, garlic shrimp, lemon orzo