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20 Minute One Pan Shrimp and Orzo Dinner

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In just a few minutes you can serve up this comforting delicious shrimp and orzo dinner. Better yet, the entire dinner is made all in one pan so not only do you save on time, but also in the dish department. I’ve made this for weeknight meals, and also for company. No matter the occasion, this one is delicious every time! 

side view of shrimp orzo dinner in a black pan

One Pan Orzo Dinner

Well hello fast and fresh dinner!  This beautiful one pan meal is ready in…wait for it… 20 MINUTES!   Ready, set, go and dinner is done! Besides being easy and quick, this recipe is also relatively healthy.  Shrimp is very low calorie and the lemon make for such a fresh taste. Orzo is baby pasta, so it must have only half the calories of regular pasta right?

Orzo works so well for one pot meals because it’s super easy to measure. You need a 2 to 1 ratio when making one pot meals, that is 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of orzo. You can use a combination of chicken stock, water, even wine adds so much flavor.

Start with a little chopped onion, fresh garlic, butter and a bit of olive oil along with your orzo.  While your onion and garlic are cooking your orzo is toasting, which adds even more flavor. 

cooking orzo and onion in a black pot

Cooking Orzo

Next, we’ll add in the chicken stock. I like to use chicken stock for this recipe because it adds flavor to the orzo as it cooks. Reduce the heat to low, then add the chicken stock. Be cautious, it can splatter so go slow. Give it a good stir, and put the lid on the pot, letting the orzo cook for about 6-7 minutes.

overhead view of shrimp orzo pasta dinner

Serving, Storing & Variations for Shrimp & Orzo

  • Once your shrimp is pink and the peas are cooked through, add a big squeeze of lemon, a handful of parmesan cheese and taste for salt & pepper…this is the step even good cooks forget.  I am a notorious under salter!
  • If your family doesnt like peas: This recipe works great with just about any fresh vegetable.  Broccoli, corn, asparagus just to name a few.  Simply stir them in in place of the peas and cook until crisp tender.
  • Can I substitute chicken for the shrimp? Yes, yes and yes!  Before beginning your onion orzo mixture,  cube boneless chicken into 1-2 inch pieces.  Sear for a couple minutes in a little olive oil until almost cooked through. Set aside.  Then add back to the skillet in place of the shrimp.  Take a look at our Chicken with Orzo skillet recipe.
  • Want a creamy texture?  Simply sub 1/3 of the chicken stock with cream or half and half and you have Creamy 20 Minute Shrimp and Orzo Dinner!
  • What kind of Shrimp should I use? We used  medium 31-40 per pound.  Rumor has it it can be annoying to pluck the tails off while eating.  I like to  think of it as a ‘dinner activity’.  You can buy ‘no tail’ shrimp as well.

shrimp and orzo dinner in white bowl

 

Tips to make this Shrimp and Orzo Skillet:

  • Use raw shrimp.  Tail or no tail…depends on if you don’t mind removing them while dining.  If you’re having a dinner party, remember to put a tail bowl out for your guests. 
  • Don’t like peas? Substitute broccoli or asparagus for the frozen peas (or use both and veggie it way up!).
  • Substitute feta for the parmesan for a Greek spin.
  • Great for lunch the next day, cold or warm,  and stays fresh in the fridge for a couple days.

More Orzo Recipes: 

To fast, fresh and flavorful dinners (all made in one pan!). 

Clink!

Kathi

 

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overhead view of shrimp orzo pasta dinner

20 Minute One Pan Shrimp and Orzo Dinner

This Shrimp and Orzo one pan meal cooks up quickly in a broth based sauce.  Add any or all of your favorite veggies to make it different every time!
4.63 from 96 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5
Author: Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium shrimp . Thawed if frozen. 31-40 count
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 3 cloves large garlic chopped
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta - uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 fresh lemon - half for juice, other half for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Heat large skillet to medium high heat.
  • Add butter and olive oil. Heat until butter is melted.
  • Add onion, garlic and orzo.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and orzo is slightly toasted.
  • Add chicken broth, salt and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is soft and just a small amount of liquid remains in the pan.
  • Toss in the shrimp, lemon juice, peas and basil.  Stir and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through and peas are warm.
     Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan, stir until combined.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and additional grated parmesan.

Notes

See the video for an easy tutorial.
NOTES To Make Shrimp and Orzo Skillet: Use raw shrimp.  Medium.  21-25 count.   Tail or no tail...depends on if you don't mind removing them while dining.  I kinda like it.  Food weirdo.Substitute broccoli or asparagus for the frozen peas or use both and veggie it way up!Substitute feta for the parmesan.Great for lunch the next day, cold or warm,  and stays fresh in the fridge for a couple days.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 244mg | Sodium: 1259mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 12.6mg | Calcium: 278mg | Iron: 3.1mg

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janine says

    5 stars
    My family enjoyed this dish very much, though I did make a few changes. I omitted the lemon and parmesan cheese, replaced about a 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with white wine, and used a tomato-basil feta. I also threw in some leftover asparagus I had in the fridge. Delicious!

    Reply

  2. SC YaYa says

    Made this for dinner tonight for my husband and I. The only change I made was I used one cup chicken broth and one cup white wine..
    Delicious. Will definitely make this again.

    Reply

  3. Nikitia Jones Meeks says

    5 stars
    Ms Kathi I made this last week and my kids ate peas!!! “I can’t believe she (mom) snuck peas in here but it’s good,” (my 14y/o). Today is my sister in laws b-day and I’m surprising her with this meal for her family of eight. I love that you included a step to increase/decrease the meal amount. You’re awesome! Thank you. Niki

    Reply

  4. Jessica says

    5 stars
    We made this last night and used the frozen peas and carrots mix. Also added saffron. It was so delicious- I’m obsessed!

    Reply

  5. Judy Stewart says

    5 stars
    This is an excellent recipe and when I use my cast iron skillet to brown the orzo, it adds more flavor! Thanks foe the easy and tasty recipe. It’s one of my regulars now.

    Reply

  6. Holly says

    5 stars
    I made this tonight for my whole family. It was easy to make and the only change I made was to add a bit of black pepper and garlic powder to make it a little more flavorful. I will definitely make it again. It was really delicious.

    Reply

  12. Taylor says

    5 stars
    Oh this looks absolutely divine and like the perfect throw together weekday meal! I make a shrimp primavera regularly that is similar to this but the lemon just sounds like the perfect addition!

    Reply

  13. Debra C. says

    Looks just delish! I want to add, I don’t think you’re a food weirdo leaving the tails on ads more flavor and I think it’s prettier! Ok…maybe we’re both weird, but I like the way you think! 😀

    Reply
4.63 from 96 votes (70 ratings without comment)

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