One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo (Print Version)

Juicy shrimp, lemon butter, orzo and vegetables cooked in one pan for a fresh, colorful summer meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry and season with a pinch of salt and 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 reserve.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just softened.
04 - Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute. Add chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to 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 accumulated juices to the pan. Add 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 chopped parsley over the dish and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It feels like a kitchen shortcut that doesn&apost sacrifice flavor, and you get a little twist of summer in every bite.
  • There&apost much to clean up afterward, so you can enjoy dinner without dread over the dishes.
02 -
  • Don&apost walk away from the orzo—it sticks surprisingly fast if you don&apost stir, and there&apost no rescuing burnt bits.
  • Adding the shrimp at the end keeps them juicy; if you leave them in too long, you&apost end up with chewy seafood instead of tender bites.
03 -
  • Always zest your lemon before juicing—it&aposts nearly impossible otherwise.
  • Don&apost skip tasting the dish as you go; a little extra salt or lemon at the finish can turn it from good to memorable.
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