15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon zest tossed with fluffy orzo pasta for a bright and speedy seafood meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs orzo pasta, peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and pink.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and the cooked orzo pasta. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 15-Minute Shrimp and Garlic Lemon Orzo?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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