Go Back
To make this tasty dish, gather these items: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat You can add some fun flavors with these extras: - Crushed red pepper flakes for spice - Fresh basil for a sweet touch - A splash of white wine for depth - Lemon slices for garnish This dish serves four and is quite balanced. Here’s a quick look: - Calories: 400 per serving - Protein: 30g from shrimp - Carbs: 50g from orzo - Fat: 15g from olive oil - Fiber: 2g from tomatoes This meal is hearty and packed with flavor. It keeps you full and happy. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, gather your ingredients first. You need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup orzo pasta - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat Start by prepping your shrimp and veggies. Make sure the shrimp is clean. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes and zest the lemon. This prep makes cooking easier. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed. You want it tender but not mushy. While the orzo cooks, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. After 10 minutes, stir the shrimp into the orzo. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and be cooked through. To get perfectly cooked shrimp, watch the time closely. Overcooked shrimp will be tough. The shrimp should be pink and firm when done. Using fresh shrimp gives the best flavor. If you can, choose wild-caught shrimp. It's more tasty and sustainable. You can also try marinating the shrimp in lemon juice for 15 minutes before cooking. This adds a zesty kick. Keep these tips in mind for a delightful dish every time! To make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo, you need a few tools. Here’s what I suggest: - Large skillet or sauté pan - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - A sharp knife for chopping - A cutting board These tools help you cook with ease and keep your kitchen tidy. I see many cooks make simple mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for: - Overcooking shrimp makes them tough. Cook just until pink. - Not toasting the orzo dulls the flavor. Take the time to toast it. - Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland food. Don’t forget salt and pepper! Avoiding these mistakes will lead to a better dish. To make your dish even tastier, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh parsley adds brightness. - Add a splash of white wine with the broth for depth. - Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist. These small changes can elevate your One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo to a new level. Enjoy the cooking process! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque, which takes only a few minutes. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the pan after sautéing the garlic and onion for an extra layer of flavor. Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to make a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. If you use chicken, cut it into small pieces. Brown the chicken in the pan first. Cook it until golden brown before adding the orzo. For tofu, use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until it gets crispy. Both options will soak up the lemon and garlic flavors well. To make this dish vegetarian, simply leave out the shrimp. You can add chickpeas or white beans for protein. These beans add texture and a protein boost. You can also use more veggies like zucchini or spinach. Add them in during the cooking process to keep their color and crunch. This method keeps the dish light and fresh. Using seasonal vegetables can brighten up your one-pan meal. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a pop of color. Summer calls for bell peppers and corn, which bring sweetness. In fall, consider adding butternut squash or kale. Winter is great for root veggies like carrots and parsnips. These veggies not only add flavor but also nutrition. Store leftover One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, check the shrimp. If it smells off, do not eat it. You can freeze this dish, but the shrimp may change texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. It will last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps restore moisture. Use the stove or microwave to heat it. If using the stove, warm it over low heat until hot. For the microwave, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring often. Enjoy your meal fresh! Yes, you can! Other small pasta types work well. Try ditalini or small shells. Adjust cooking time based on pasta size. Follow the package instructions for best results. The spice level is mild to medium. One pinch adds flavor without overwhelming heat. If you like it spicier, add more flakes. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. Several sides complement this dish well. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a great choice. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. Consider pairing with steamed asparagus or broccoli for balance. This blog post covered how to make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a perfect dish. We also explored variations using chicken or tofu, and how to store leftovers properly. In conclusion, this meal is easy, tasty, and flexible. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking this dish and share it with family or friends! It’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Zesty One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring shrimp and orzo pasta with a zesty lemon and garlic flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the orzo cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • While the orzo is cooking, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  • After 10 minutes, stir the shrimp into the orzo, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword garlic, lemon, one-pan meal, orzo, shrimp