One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp (Printable)

Shrimp and orzo blend with lemon butter and veggies for a fresh, effortless one-pan Mediterranean-inspired meal.

# 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 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 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes; cook 2–3 minutes until just softened.
04 - Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in broth, lemon zest, and half 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.
05 - Return shrimp and juices to the pan. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cleanup is a breeze thanks to everything cooking in just one pan.
  • The punch of fresh lemon and buttery shrimp always brightens even a weekday dinner.
02 -
  • If you forget to dry the shrimp, they’ll steam and lose that simple savory sear.
  • Letting the orzo simmer without stirring can lead to a sticky bottom, so keep your spoon handy.
03 -
  • A wooden spoon is best for stirring orzo so it doesn’t stick or break.
  • The secret is letting the shrimp rest out of the pan so they don’t overcook while the orzo simmers.
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