One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp cooked in garlic butter served over creamy Parmesan orzo all prepared in a single pot for quick cleanup. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, orzo pasta, divided unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter with 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup orzo and stir well to coat with the garlic butter. Pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes until orzo is nearly tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and remaining 2 tbsp butter, cover again and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan 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-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan 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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan 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-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan 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-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Orzo?

Italian 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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