One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Orzo
A vibrant Mediterranean dish where tender shrimp and orzo simmer in a zesty lemon-garlic broth with fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 12 ounces orzo pasta and stir for 1 minute to coat in oil, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Add 12 ounces shrimp, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring once, until shrimp turn pink and orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts, then taste and adjust salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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 Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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 One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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 Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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 Lemon Garlic Shrimp and 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
