One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp (Printable)

Juicy shrimp, orzo, and vegetables come together in a single skillet for vibrant flavor and a quick summer meal.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off

→ Orzo & Grains

02 - 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Zest and juice from 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry and season evenly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add the remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly softened.
04 - Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in low-sodium broth, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Stir gently and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup almost effortless.
  • The lemon butter gives shrimp and orzo a brightness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
02 -
  • If you overcook shrimp, they turn rubbery—pull them out the moment they’re pink and opaque.
  • Using good, fresh lemon makes all the difference—bottled juice can flatten the flavor.
03 -
  • Stir the orzo occasionally as it simmers—otherwise, it sinks and sticks to the pan.
  • Let the butter melt at the end for a silky finish and deeper flavor.
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