One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

If you love dinners that come together in under 40 minutes, bursting with brightness and flavor in every bite, One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo needs to be your next weeknight hero. This cozy, elegant dish is loaded with succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, plenty of fresh greens, and all the citrusy charm you crave—best of all, it’s all done in one pan, leaving your kitchen (and your sanity) sparkling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo recipe leans on simple pantry and fridge staples—but each one has a delicious part to play. From the buttery richness and bright zest to that hearty orzo and gorgeous fresh shrimp, here’s what you’ll need for flavor that shines in every forkful.

• Butter: Adds luscious flavor and helps toast the orzo for an irresistibly nutty background.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For a Mediterranean vibe and silky texture; use half with the butter to cook shrimp and finish orzo.
• Raw peeled and deveined shrimp (1 lb): I recommend large shrimp—they stay juicy and cook quickly. Pat them dry for perfect caramelization!
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and orzo, with cracked pepper adding signature zing.
• Finely chopped shallots: Their subtle sweetness builds a flavor base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Minced garlic cloves: Nothing beats the fragrant pop garlic brings—freshly minced is best.
• Dry orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the lemony broth for a creamy, risotto-like finish without the work.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Choose low-sodium so you can control the savoriness, and enjoy added depth in every bite.
• Fresh baby spinach (or asparagus): Spinach wilts into silkiness, while asparagus keeps things crisp—pick your favorite spring green!
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon: This is where all that sunny, bold brightness comes from. Don’t skimp!
• Finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds color and a final herby lift at the very end.

Variations

This recipe is practically begging to be customized! Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, using what you have in the fridge, or adjusting for allergies, One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo is a fantastic base for your flavor experiments.

• Try Different Greens: Swap the spinach for kale, arugula, or even chopped broccolini for a fun twist and extra nutrients.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end for an ultra-luxurious, risotto-like texture.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with short-grain rice, just adjusting liquid and cooking time as needed.
• Add Heat: Love things spicy? A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of hot sauce at the table takes things up a notch.

How to Make One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp to Perfection

First, pat those beautiful shrimp dry and season them well with half the salt and a big pinch of cracked black pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer—they’ll get gorgeously golden in just about 3 minutes on the first side, then another minute after flipping. Work in two batches if your skillet is crowded, and as soon as they’re opaque and pink, move them to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Shallots, Garlic, and Orzo

Add the remaining butter and oil to your skillet, then toss in the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the kitchen smells irresistible! Stir in the dry orzo and let it toast in the oil for 1–2 minutes—it will start to take on a golden hue and develop a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 3: Simmer Orzo in Broth

Pour in your broth, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat, cover your skillet, and let the orzo gently simmer for 10–15 minutes. You want it al dente with most of the liquid absorbed, but not dry—the orzo will finish cooking with the veggies next.

Step 4: Wilt the Greens and Brighten Up

During the last couple of minutes, scatter in your baby spinach or asparagus. Cover again and let those greens wilt down (or become tender-crisp if using asparagus). Finish it all with the zest and juice from one generous lemon—this is the signature flavor of One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo, so let it shine!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp (and any collected juices!) to the pan and gently fold everything together. Once warmed through, garnish with plenty of chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper, if you’d like. Serve piping hot, directly from the skillet—it’s the ultimate comfort meal with a sunny, sophisticated twist.

How to Serve One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish—finish your One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo with extra fresh parsley, another quick grating of lemon zest, and a final dusting of cracked black pepper. A few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil add a decadent touch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

While this skillet meal shines on its own, it’s even more enticing paired with crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies. Garlic bread or a juicy tomato salad play especially well with all that citrus and briny shrimp flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, spoon the orzo onto a large serving platter and nestle the shrimp on top, garnished with lemon slices and herbs. Or, scoop individual portions into wide, shallow bowls for a comfort-food-meets-bistro vibe—perfect for a dinner party or date night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making your next-day lunch just as satisfying (if not more!).

Freezing

While shrimp can sometimes lose a bit of their pop after freezing, this dish generally holds up well. For best results, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month—just know that the orzo may be a little softer upon thawing, but the flavor stays deliciously vibrant.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to rehydrate the orzo. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low, stirring often until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo becomes a bright spot in your weeknight dinner lineup. It’s unfussy, zippy, and utterly satisfying—a perfect choice for busy nights or a cozy dinner in with friends. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table!

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