Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

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I’ve always had a soft spot for dishes that come together effortlessly but still feel special enough to serve to guests. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is exactly that kind of meal. It’s one of my favorite go-to weeknight dinners because it combines juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and tender orzo pasta all in one skillet—fast, fresh, and full of flavor. When I first made this, I was amazed by how the simple ingredients transformed into something so comforting yet elegant.

There’s something about the combination of garlic and lemon with shrimp that feels both light and indulgent. The orzo cooks to a creamy texture, soaking up every drop of garlicky lemon broth. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes and only needs one pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this dish makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

This dish delivers on all fronts—bright flavors, hearty textures, and a beautiful presentation. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but comes together quickly. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-skillet cooking method. If you’re looking for something that’s equally satisfying and refreshing, this checks every box.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

You can use any standard orzo from the pasta aisle, but I recommend using high-quality durum wheat orzo for the best bite and texture. Avoid overcooking it—it should be tender but still hold its shape so it can soak up the lemony broth without turning mushy.

Options for Substitutions

No shrimp? No problem. You can swap in scallops, diced chicken breast, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end. If you’re watching carbs, try using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles in place of orzo, though the texture will differ. And for a dairy-free option, simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.

Ingredients for this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Shrimp – Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Their sweetness and tender texture are perfect for this bright dish.

Orzo – This rice-shaped pasta absorbs the lemony broth and becomes creamy without needing cream.

Garlic – Fresh garlic is key for bold, aromatic flavor. Thinly sliced or finely minced is best.

Lemon – Both juice and zest add brightness and freshness to cut through the richness of the shrimp and orzo.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth – This is what the orzo cooks in, infusing it with deep savory flavor.

Olive Oil – A good olive oil helps sauté the shrimp and garlic and adds richness.

Butter – Just a bit of butter added at the end gives the dish a luxurious, silky finish.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a subtle kick to balance the lemon and garlic.

Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley brightens the final dish with a fresh herbal note.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.

Grated Parmesan (optional) – Adds savory depth and ties the flavors together.

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Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a splash more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Add Orzo

Stir in the dry orzo and toast it for a minute or two with the garlic. This adds a nutty base layer of flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze with Lemon Juice

Pour in the lemon juice and zest to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp and garlic. This is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and stir. Cover and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to combine, and let everything heat through for another 1–2 minutes. Stir in butter and Parmesan (if using) for extra creaminess.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, add extra lemon wedges if desired, and serve straight from the skillet. Enjoy while hot!

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How Long to Prepare the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Prep Time: Most of the prep is quite fast—peeling and deveining the shrimp, mincing garlic, and zesting a lemon. This typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. If your shrimp is already cleaned, you can save even more time.

Cook Time: Once everything is prepped, the actual cooking takes around 20 minutes. The orzo cooks directly in the pan with the broth, which makes this a one-pan, hands-off simmering situation for most of the cooking time. Start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes total.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest—bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. As soon as they’re opaque and curled, pull them from the pan.
• Toasting the orzo before adding broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking.
• Add the butter and Parmesan at the end for that creamy, restaurant-quality finish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Crowding the pan with shrimp – They’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Overcooking the shrimp – They turn rubbery quickly; remove them as soon as they’re pink.
• Burning the garlic – Keep the heat low when sautéing garlic to avoid bitterness.
• Not tasting as you go – Lemon juice, broth, and Parmesan can all affect salt levels.
• Skipping the zest – It adds depth and brightness that lemon juice alone can’t deliver.

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What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo?

1. Roasted Asparagus

The crisp-tender texture and earthy flavor of asparagus balance the creamy orzo perfectly.

2. A Crisp Green Salad

Something like arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing bite.

3. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Ideal for soaking up every drop of that lemon-garlic sauce.

4. White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

These light wines complement the lemon and seafood beautifully.

5. Steamed Broccoli

Simple, nutritious, and doesn’t overpower the main dish.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the orzo cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Freezer: Not ideal for freezing as shrimp can become rubbery and orzo can lose texture. If you must freeze, store in individual portions and reheat from frozen with added liquid.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Stir it occasionally while it simmers and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and chop ingredients in advance to save time.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly.

What if I don’t have broth?

You can use water, but add extra seasoning or a bouillon cube for depth.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes! It’s very mild unless you spice it up.

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Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is the kind of meal that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s flavorful, fresh, and fits any occasion—from a quick solo lunch to a dinner with friends. Every bite delivers zesty lemon, tender shrimp, and creamy orzo comfort. And since it all comes together in one pan, there’s no reason not to add this dish to your weekly rotation.

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