One Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo

This Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo recipe is a weeknight miracle! A one pot dinner made in just around 30 minutes. The fresh lemon pair perfectly with shrimp. This shrimp with orzo recipe will be a new favorite all year long!

Ingredients for One Pot Shrimp with Orzo:

It only takes 10 simple ingredients (including salt and pepper!) to make this fresh and filling shrimp with orzo recipe. Here’s what you need:

• Raw Shrimp – Large (16/20ct shrimp) peeled and deveined. The tails are optional.
• Olive Oil
• Lemon – both the zest and juice for extra flavor!
• Garlic
• Butter
• Orzo – Found in the pasta aisle and looks like the shape of rice but is actually pasta
• Chicken Broth or Stock
• Fresh Parsley
• Spices – Red Pepper Flakes, Salt and Pepper

How to Make One Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo

Making a one pot meal is so easy! Start by cooking the orzo then adding the shrimp to the pot until fully cooked. See the instructions below:

1. Marinate Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside while you cook the orzo.
2. Toast and Cook Orzo: In a dutch oven or large sauté pan with deep sides, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the orzo and cook until slightly golden and toasted – add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil – make sure to stir and scrape any of the orzo or garlic off the bottom. Lower the heat and reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the orzo absorbs all the broth and is just al dente (about 10 minutes). I like to stir every few minutes to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp (and excess marinade) to the orzo and stir to combine. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes on low until the shrimp is cooked – stir every couple of minutes to keep things from sticking to the bottom.
4. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

FAQ’s

How do you know when shrimp is cooked?

While raw shrimp is grey and translucent, shrimp becomes pink and opaque when fully cooked. It will also start to curl into a ‘C’ shape when cooked. Shrimp cooks very quickly!

What can this be served with?

This shrimp with orzo recipe can be served on its own or I love pairing it with some simple steamed or roasted veggies – such as broccoli or peas! You also can’t go wrong with a big green salad.

Leftovers and Reheating

Leftovers and Storage: Leftovers will keep fresh in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Although shrimp is best when it is freshly cooked, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed. Don’t microwave for too long or the shrimp can become tough. I also like eating the leftovers cold out of the fridge for lunch!

Recipe Notes and Tips:

• Buy Pre-Peeled and Deveined Shrimp – Peeling and deveining shrimp can be time consuming, so I love buying shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. It’s up to you if you want tail on or off!
• Buy Extra Lemons – I love serving this with extra lemon wedges so people can spritz on a little fresh lemon juice right before eating.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Sheet Pan Pineapple Shrimp – A 15-minute weeknight dinner! Broil pineapple, bell peppers, and shrimp with a simple sauce.
• Grilled Shrimp Kabobs – Simple to make and perfect for an easy summer meal. The lemon marinade for grilled shrimp is so flavorful and fresh tasting.

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