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Easy One-Pan Mediterranean Shrimp with Lemon Orzo

one-pan Mediterranean shrimp with lemon orzo - featured image
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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, bright lemon, and creamy orzo, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta (about 175g)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (600ml)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Mince garlic, zest and juice the lemon, chop parsley and dill, and halve cherry tomatoes if using. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Avoid burning.
  4. Stir in 1 cup dry orzo, coating it in the garlic oil. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes until it starts to turn golden.
  5. Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth along with lemon juice and zest. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until orzo absorbs most liquid but remains creamy.
  7. Nestle shrimp and cherry tomatoes on top of orzo. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and dill. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

If orzo looks too dry before shrimp are cooked, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Toasting orzo before simmering enhances flavor and texture. Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa for gluten-free version. Skip Parmesan or use plant-based alternative for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon, Mediterranean, one-pan, quick dinner, easy recipe, garlic, healthy, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-one-pan-mediterranean-shrimp-with-lemon-orzo-recipe-for-quick-dinner/