One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo (Printable Version)

Succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, tender orzo, and crisp veggies unite for a vibrant one-pan summer dish.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off

→ Orzo & Grains

02 - 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Zest of 1 large lemon
09 - Juice of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

10 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

→ Pantry

11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat shrimp dry and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just softened.
04 - Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Add the broth, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return shrimp and any juices to the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Cleverly uses a single pan so you spend less time washing up.
  • The zingy lemon and juicy shrimp feel like a Mediterranean getaway in your own kitchen.
02 -
  • If you try to rush the orzo, it can get gummy—give it time and don&apost skimp on stirring.
  • Searing shrimp quickly makes them plump, but cooking too long dries them out; set a timer if you tend to multitask.
03 -
  • Don&apost overcrowd the shrimp in the pan—cook them in batches if needed so they stay tender.
  • Let the orzo rest for a minute before serving to absorb the last bit of sauce.
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