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Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

Shrimp & Orzo (1-Pan, 20-Minute Dinner) Recipe

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Shrimp & Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, it combines garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Produce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Pantry

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orzo
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear: Heat olive oil and butter in a large lidded skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper, then cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until just opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  2. Sauté: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add minced garlic and orzo. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is lightly toasted and fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine or ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the pan becomes too dry before the orzo is done, add a splash more broth.
  4. Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with extra chicken broth.
  • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
  • The dish can be customized by adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp dinner, orzo recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, Mediterranean shrimp, easy pasta recipe