One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

4.88 from 66 votes
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Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo comes together in one skillet for an easy, streamlined weeknight dinner. Light, yet super flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.

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Lemon pepper shrimp and orzo in a cast iron skillet topped with lemon slices.

This single skillet meal is everything I want in a spring dinner. Quick-cooking orzo, succulent shrimp, veggies, and a fresh lemon-y finish.

The starchy grains make it creamy, while the double installment of lemon adds layers of brightness. And because it comes together in one skillet, this meal is fantastic for weeknight dinners.

Much like my this Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo Skillet, shrimp + orzo are the perfect dinner pairing. They’re both quick-cooking and versatile enough to take on any flavor profile you throw their way.

And if you love easy orzo dishes, try my Zucchini Orzo Salad next!

How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

If you’re not familiar with orzo, it’s a type of short-cut pasta that resembles a grain of rice. Because of its petite size, orzo cooks in lightning speed, which makes it a great alternative to rice for a fast weeknight dinner.

Shrimp, spinach, lemon, and orzo in a skillet.

Additionally, this type of grain seems to be a universal favorite among adults and kiddos. If you happen to find whole-grain orzo, even better for slipping in some extra B-vitamins and fiber. 

The Ingredients

  • Shrimp: Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined (or at least deveined and easy peel). Also, many are surprised to find out that the best shrimp are often in the freezer case. Usually what’s behind the seafood case was previously frozen anyway, so you can often get a better deal by purchasing frozen, and thawing on your own.
  • Shallots: I prefer the delicate onion-y flavor of shallots for this dish, however you can also use yellow or sweet onion.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic create the aromatic backbone of this dish. I like to use at least 4 cloves, however feel free to add more or less depending on your preference. 
  • Butter: Mixing butter with olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while you’re sautéing the shrimp. I also love the extra richness it adds.
  • Orzo: Look for orzo in the pasta aisle of any well-stocked grocery store. To make this dish gluten free, either use a gluten free small-cut pasta or rice.
  • Broth: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor, however you can also use water in a pinch.
  • Veggies: To slip in some extra nutrients and a pop of color, add spinach or asparagus.
  • Lemon: You need the zest and juice of 1 whole lemon for this recipe. You can also slice and caramelize an additional lemon for aesthetics.
  • Pepper: One whole teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper adds zippy spice to cut through the lemon-butter combo.

The Directions

Step 1: Sauté shrimp. Season shrimp with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp. each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Shrimp sautéing in a cast iron skillet.

Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes, flip, and cook 1 more minute, until opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Shallots and garlic sautéing in a skillet.

Step 2: Sauté shallots and garlic in remaining butter and olive oil. Add orzo, stir to coat; cook 1 to 2 minutes, to lightly toast grains.

Cooked orzo pasta in a red and black pan.

Step 3: Add broth, salt, and pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, uncovered, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in veggies during the final 3 minutes of orzo cooking. Lastly, Stir in lemon zest and juice.

Spinach, lemon zest and juice being stirred into a pot of grains.

Nestle shrimp back into skillet and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe FAQs

Which Shrimp Should I Buy?

Here are some of my shrimp purchasing tips:

Buy Frozen. Since shrimp is flash-frozen promptly after being caught, it’s often better quality (for a better price) than what’s sitting in the seafood case. (Especially if you live in a landlocked state.)

Buying frozen also gives you greater control over the defrosting process, since you can cook them immediately afterwards.

Look for raw (not precooked) shrimp that is deveined and peeled.
 Deveining shrimp is a tedious, rather unsettling task, if you ask me! Also, for reference, raw shrimp is always gray-ish white, while cooked shrimp is pink. 

How to Store and Reheat:

Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and this shrimp orzo recipe will last up to 3 days refrigerated.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the grains.

Lemon pepper shrimp and orzo in a pan topped with lemon slices.

More Shrimp Skillet Recipes to Try:

If you give this recipe a try, snap a pic and tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time to leave a rating and review!

Lastly, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.

4.88 from 66 votes

One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo comes together in one skillet for an easy, streamlined weeknight dinner. Light, yet super flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet

Ingredients  

  • 2 Tbsp. butter, divided
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb. raw peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/4 cups dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 8 oz. fresh asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
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Instructions 

  • Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel, and season evenly with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper.
    Heat 1 Tbsp. each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Arrange shrimp in skillet, avoiding any overlap; cook 3 minutes, flip, and cook 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
    (Note: cook shrimp in two separate batches if skillet isn't large enough.)
  • Add remaining 1 Tbsp. each of butter and olive oil to pan. Add shallots and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until aromatic. Add orzo, stir to coat; cook 1 to 2 minutes, to lightly toast grains.
    Add broth, remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 3/4 tsp. cracked black pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
    During the final few minutes, stir in spinach or asparagus. Cover and continue cooking until spinach is wilted (or asparagus is tender with still some bite). Uncover and stir in lemon zest and juice.
  • Nestle shrimp back into skillet and garnish with fresh parsley and extra cracked black pepper, if desired.
    *I also love to garnish this dish with sautéed lemon slices, however it's simply for aesthetics.

Notes

  • Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the grains.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 910mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 3g

I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.

If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and review below!
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4.88 from 66 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




55 Comments

  1. Tanna Schreiner says:

    5 stars
    Delish and oh so quick! We added mushrooms.

  2. Linda S says:

    5 stars
    Changed shrimp to chicken and I loved it

  3. Emma says:

    3 stars
    I loved cooking this, I personally think juice and zest of 1 lemon is too much maybe a squirt of lemon when served would be best as I found it took away the taste and made it tarte

    1. Joe says:

      4 stars
      Great recipe
      Quick and easy and delicious

  4. Mieke Schrijvers says:

    5 stars
    Very tasty. Easy to assemble. Found it to be similar, in a way, to a risotto. We made this with the addition of some soft goat cheese (plain Kirkland Signature from Costco), which added a delightful creaminess and some extra richness. Much enjoyed and leftovers for lunch the following day. Reheated well!

  5. Jamie Craig says:

    Covered or uncovered while simmering? The “story” says uncovered. Then down below the recipe says covered.

  6. Bri says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to make and it’s sooo delicious! I added Old Bay to the shrimp with the salt and pepper, and Old Bay and a little bit of chicken bullion instead of salt to the chicken broth. I served it with a tiny bit of freshly shredded parmesan and red chili flakes for a little kick.

  7. Leslie says:

    5 stars
    This was really good and easy! I had smaller amounts of both spinach and asparagus so I used spinach in dish and cooked asparagus and some left over mushrooms on the side and added it later….Was delicious. Great way to use up bits and pieces. I added a little cornstarch because it was a little liquidy but next time I’ll use a little more orzo
    I forwarded link to my kids…. I think they were a little turned off by the picture hehe (I found through video on instagram) but hope they try it.

  8. Kelly says:

    Can you substitute with spaghetti? If so, how much liquid would I need for a whole box?

  9. Ginna says:

    5 stars
    Loved this. Moved to our favorites folder!

  10. Alexis says:

    This is my second time making this recipe, so good!! I added both asparagus and spinach which really added to it. Will definitely be making again.

    1. Jamie Vespa says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Alexis! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!