One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo (Print)

Shrimp, lemon, orzo, and veggies combine in one pan for a vibrant, flavorful meal and minimal cleanup.

# What You Need:

→ 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 and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

09 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

# Directions:

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 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until vegetables soften.
04 - Add orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
05 - Pour in broth, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Return shrimp and juices to the pan. Add remaining butter and lemon juice. Mix gently and cook 1–2 minutes to heat through.
07 - Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Each bite tastes like summer and feels effortless, as if the flavors joined hands without fuss.
  • The single skillet keeps cleanup quick and leaves more time for lingering conversations around the table.
02 -
  • If you rush the orzo, it can turn mushy—always simmer patiently and stir gently.
  • The trick that changed everything: adding cold butter at the end makes the sauce glossy and luscious.
03 -
  • Drying shrimp thoroughly ensures a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
  • Layering zest in early and juice at the end wakes up the flavors without overwhelming the shrimp.
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