One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp and Orzo (Printable)

Shrimp, orzo, lemon, and veggies unite in a single pan for a bright, easy Mediterranean-inspired meal.

# What Goes In:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb 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 broth 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)

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • All the magic happens in one pan, which saves you from a pile of dishes later.
  • The lemon and butter make every bite feel like a sunny Mediterranean escape.
02 -
  • Be sure to pat the shrimp dry, otherwise they& 39;ll release too much water and lose that gorgeous sear.
  • Cover the pan while the orzo cooks—once I forgot and found a crunchy mess instead of creamy pasta.
03 -
  • Toasting the orzo briefly brings out deeper flavor and prevents it from getting mushy.
  • Adding lemon zest with the broth gives the whole pan a fragrant kick—don& 39;t save it just for garnish.
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