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Creamy Lemon Herb Shrimp and Orzo: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender shrimp and creamy orzo in a bright lemon herb sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this comforting yet elevated meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on the first side until pink and golden, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a tiny splash of olive oil if needed. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden and nutty.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any remaining browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove the lid and reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and lemon zest until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth and glossy. Add a splash of broth or water if too thick.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley and dill, then squeeze the lemon juice over everything. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Let the skillet sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry for best sear. Toast orzo to prevent mushiness. Add lemon juice at the end for brightness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce. Keep heat low when adding cream to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon herb shrimp and orzo, one-pan dinner, shrimp orzo, easy weeknight dinner, creamy shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/creamy-lemon-herb-shrimp-and-orzo-easy-one-pan-dinner/