One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo
Tender shrimp cooked with orzo pasta in a lemon-garlic broth, all made in a single pot for an easy, bright dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, peeled and deveined medium shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in cooked shrimp, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Cook for 1 more minute to combine flavors. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp 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 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 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.
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