One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo (Printer-friendly)

Juicy shrimp, buttery orzo, and summer veggies cooked together in one pan for vibrant flavor and easy cleanup.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ 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 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat shrimp dry and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted 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 to a plate and reserve.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return shrimp with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted 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 chopped parsley over the dish and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a one-pan wonder, so you'll spend less time cleaning and more time savoring.
  • The bright lemon flavor and buttery shrimp make it genuinely irresistible for guests and family alike.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to pat the shrimp dry and they turned out soggy instead of crisp—don't skip this step.
  • Stirring orzo too little makes it clump together, so give it gentle attention for perfect texture.
03 -
  • Don't rush to add the shrimp back—let the orzo absorb most liquid first for the right consistency.
  • Resist overcooking the shrimp; they only need a fast turn in the pan for juicy softness.
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