One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo Tasty and Quick Meal

January 4, 2026July 17, 2025 by Chef Elliot

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup orzo pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 1 bell pepper, diced (preferably yellow)

– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

– Lemon slices for garnish

Measurement Tips

When measuring ingredients, precise amounts matter. Use a scale for shrimp. It ensures you get the right weight. For liquids like chicken broth, use a liquid measuring cup. It helps avoid spills. For dry ingredients, like orzo, a standard cup works well. Level off the top for accuracy. Fresh herbs should be packed lightly into the measuring cup. This keeps the flavors bright.

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp

I recommend using fresh shrimp for the best taste. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor and firm texture. However, frozen shrimp works too. It offers convenience and is often just as good. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Rinse it under cold water before cooking. This method helps maintain the shrimp’s texture. Always check for a slight ocean scent when buying shrimp. It ensures freshness, whether fresh or frozen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients for One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo. You will need:

– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1 cup orzo pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 1 bell pepper, diced (preferably yellow)

– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

– Lemon slices for garnish

This prep makes cooking easier and faster.

Cooking Techniques

First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes. You want them softened but not brown. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it smells great.

Now, it’s time to add the orzo pasta. Cook it for about 2 minutes while stirring. This toasts the orzo, giving it a nice flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mix to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The orzo will soak up most of the liquid and become tender.

Once the orzo is ready, add the shrimp along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink when cooked through.

Final Touches to Serve

After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. To serve, garnish with chopped parsley and add lemon slices on the side. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp Cooking Time

Cooking shrimp just right is key for great taste. Shrimp cook quickly, usually in 3 to 5 minutes. You want them pink and firm, not rubbery. A good tip is to watch for color change. When shrimp turn from gray to pink, they are ready. Always remove them from heat right away. This helps keep them tender and juicy.

Storing Leftovers Effectively

Storing leftovers is easy and helps reduce waste. Let the dish cool down before storing it. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to a month. When freezing, divide it into smaller portions. It makes reheating easier later.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

You can boost flavor in this dish with simple tricks. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A dash of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. For more zest, add more lemon juice or zest. You can also swap in different broth types for added depth. Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth works too. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect taste!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it until brown before adding the orzo. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and press it to remove water. Cube it and sauté it until golden. Then, continue with the recipe. This gives you tasty and quick meals that fit your needs.

Vegetable Add-ins

Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Try adding spinach or cherry tomatoes. Spinach wilts down nicely and adds color. Just toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Halve them and add them when you add the shrimp. You can also use zucchini or peas for more texture. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables.

Gluten-Free Option with Quinoa

If you want a gluten-free choice, use quinoa instead of orzo. Quinoa cooks similar to orzo but has a nuttier taste. Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove its bitter coating. Substitute the orzo with one cup of quinoa and use the same amount of broth. Cook it for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy. This keeps the dish light and healthy, without losing any flavor.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

Store any leftover One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo in an airtight container. Let it cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep the shrimp and orzo fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, do not add the parsley or lemon slices yet. These will stay fresh when added just before serving.

Freezing Guide

To freeze the dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the texture better.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the orzo in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. This will help keep it moist. Stir it gently until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Always check that the shrimp is warm all the way through. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta. Small shapes like penne or fusilli work well. They will cook the same way as orzo. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Large pasta may not absorb the broth as well.

What can I serve with One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo?

This dish pairs nicely with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch and brightness. You could also serve it with garlic bread. The bread will soak up the tasty sauce. For a light touch, add steamed vegetables on the side.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust spice, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and taste. If you want more heat, add more. You can also use a spicy seasoning blend. For less heat, skip the red pepper flakes altogether.

In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and their measurements. You learned how to choose between fresh and frozen shrimp. The step-by-step instructions guided you through preparation and cooking techniques. I shared tips on cooking times and flavoring the dish. We also discussed variations, storage best practices, and answered common questions.

Cooking shrimp can be simple and fun. With these tools, you can create delicious meals all the time. Keep experimenting and enjoy your culinary journe