One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp (Printable)

Shrimp, orzo, vegetables, and lemon butter combine for a vibrant flavor-packed one-pan meal with easy cleanup.

# What You'll 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 of 1 large lemon

→ Dairy

09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

→ Pantry

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat the shrimp dry and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
03 - Add the remaining olive oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just softened.
04 - Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One skillet means cleanup is a breeze and you can stay chatting instead of scrubbing.
  • The lemony shrimp and buttery orzo make a satisfying dinner that feels special, even midweek.
02 -
  • Stirring orzo while simmering is key—if you forget, it sticks and the bottom turns gummy.
  • Lemon zest before juicing is easier and adds intense aroma; I learned that after zesting a squished lemon once.
03 -
  • Cooking shrimp separately keeps them perfectly tender, rather than chewy from overcooking.
  • Don't skip zesting your lemon—it's the invisible ingredient that gives that pop.
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