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Shrimp & Orzo One-Pan Dinner in 20 Minutes Recipe

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4.3 from 53 reviews

This cozy one-pan shrimp and orzo dinner is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender shrimp, bright lemon, savory garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum convenience.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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
  • 1 cup orzo
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Dairy

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, lidded skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  2. Sauté: In the same skillet (no need to wash it), stir in the minced garlic and orzo. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted and fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the white wine (or ½ cup broth if not using wine) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 2 cups of chicken broth, bring 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 has been absorbed. If the pan dries out toward the end, add a splash more broth to prevent sticking.
  4. Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use either dry white wine or additional broth depending on preference or dietary restrictions.
  • Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough quickly.
  • Adding a splash more broth if the dish looks dry helps keep the orzo creamy and perfectly cooked.
  • Can be garnished with extra lemon wedges or Parmesan for added flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean