I want to show you how to make a quick, easy, and delicious lemon orzo shrimp dish. It only takes 15-30 minutes to cook. Not only is it quick and easy, but it also requires only one pot.
Introducing a delectable and effortless dinner option – One pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp
. This tantalizing one pot dinner
recipe can be whipped up in just 15 to 30 minutes, all in a single pan. The star ingredient, shrimp, is the only perishable item required, ensuring a quick grocery store run after work. With most essential ingredients likely already stocked in your pantry, this recipe is a convenient choice for busy evenings. One pot meals
are usually flavorless, but this lemon shrimp
meal will have different, and bright flavors.
Though often associated with Mediterranean cuisine, it may surprise you to learn that Orzo hails from Italy. Additionally, its name, meaning “barley” in Italian, is a nod to its resemblance to the grain. Also in Spain, it goes by the name pinones, reflecting its similarity to pine nuts. Notably, Orzo boasts higher fiber and protein content than rice, making it a wholesome alternative. The easiest way to cook orzo is by boiling it. Boiling the orzo in the chicken broth absorbs the bright flavors of the broth.
One-pot meals are wonderfully convenient because they only require a single pot for cooking and one dish for serving, making both preparation and clean-up a breeze. You can shop for easy weeknight dinners in just one trip to the grocery store as they typically need only a handful of simple ingredients. I hope this recipe becomes a family favorite and is requested time and again.
Ingredients:
1 lb. raw shrimp peeled and deveined. (Large shrimp will work the best)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 chopped Shallot
3-4 minced Garlic cloves
1 cup dry quick-cooking Orzo (whole wheat orzo can be an alternative)
2.5 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable broth
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
Zest and juice of 1 Lemon (use the whole zest of the lemon)
1 bunch of fresh Asparagus
3 tbsp Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese grated
1 tbsp Butter
Directions:
1. Season the deveined shrimp with a mixture of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat and apply cooking spray or olive oil. Sear the seasoned shrimp until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the succulent shrimp aside. Shrimp cooks quickly, be careful not to overcook. The shrimp should be white (not translucent) in the center but not rubberlike.
3. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add shallots, and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, typically 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. It will lose its flavor
4. Introduce the orzo pasta to the pan and allow it to toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring intermittently. Gradually pour in broth and stir consistently for roughly 10 minutes. Add more broth as necessary to prevent the orzo from sticking. Be careful not to overcook the Orzo. You will want tender orzo, but not overcooked. While the orzo cooks grate the cheese and prepare the asparagus.
5. Incorporate lemon juice and zest, half and half, parmesan cheese, and asparagus.
6. Add the butter, and let it melt on top of the orzo
7. Garnish the dish with parsley, lemon wedges, and chili flakes before serving.
Variations:
One of the Lemon Orzo Shrimp recipe’s main draws is its one-pot simplicity. Embracing a well-balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, it’s a wholesome meal in itself. Additionally, the versatility of this dish shines through the option to substitute Orzo with rice, quinoa, or couscous. Furthermore, you can incorporate a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and carrots, while the grains are cooking.
The protein element is equally flexible, allowing for the use of grilled or sautéed options like chicken, scallops, lobster, or fish. For a complete revamp, consider incorporating beef and swapping chicken stock for beef stock.
The Lemon Orzo Shrimp recipe offers ample room for personalization. Tailor the spice levels by adjusting the red pepper flakes or fine-tuning the garlic to your preference. In the final stages, tweak the butter quantity to achieve a richer, creamier texture.
By exploring these adaptations, you can craft an array of delightful “one-pot” creations, each brimming with distinct flavors and textures.
Fresh lemon juice can be used if whole lemons aren’t in your pantry
When preparing the shrimp, you can use any “lemon pepper shrimp” recipe to enhance the shrimp’s extra flavor.
Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of a dish, and black pepper can be used instead of red pepper flakes if preferred.
Storage of Lemon Orzo Shrimp:
Typically, creamy orzo recipes
don’t freeze well, but this dish can be refrigerated for a few days. This dish is so delicious that there should not be any leftover shrimp orzo. Simply store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
I hope you enjoy this easy 1-pan lemon orzo pasta recipe. If you have any questions, issues, or concerns please comment below, and I will respond quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Raw Shrimp Peeled and Deveined
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Chopped Shallot
- 3-4 Cloves Fresh Minced Garlic
- 1 Cup Dry Orzo
- 3 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Bunch Fresh Asparagus
- 1 Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
- 3 tbsp Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with a mixture of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and apply cooking spray or olive oil. Sear the seasoned shrimp until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add shallots and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, typically 1 to 2 minutes.
- Introduce the orzo pasta to the pan and allow it to toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring intermittently. Gradually pour in broth and stir consistently for roughly 10 minutes. Add more broth as necessary to prevent the orzo from sticking. Add the asparagus to cook with the Orzo.
- Incorporate lemon juice and zest, half and half, parmesan cheese, and asparagus.
- Incorporate lemon juice and zest, half and half, and parmesan cheese
- Garnish the dish with parsley and chili flakes before serving.
- Following these steps will result in a Lemon Orzo Shrimp dish, ready to be enjoyed.
