One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with Orzo
Quick-cooked shrimp with orzo pasta, fresh lemon, and dill in a vibrant, lemony sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, orzo pasta, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 large lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add orzo pasta and stir to coat, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, then add 1/2 cup lemon juice (from 1 lemon, juiced), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and broth has reduced slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in reserved shrimp, 2 tbsp dill, and remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice. Cook for 2 more minutes until shrimp are heated through and sauce is glossy. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with 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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with 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 One-Pan Lemon-Dill Shrimp with Orzo?
Mediterranean one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Saved me from takeout last Tuesday. One pot, 20 minutes, and my kids actually ate shrimp! The lemon made it feel fancy but so simple.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! The lemon-dill balance was perfect, and the orzo soaked up every bit of flavor. Made it for date night and they kept asking for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the concept, but my shrimp overcooked because the recipe didn't account for thickness. Next time I'll add them later. Still a great weeknight meal though.
