One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp – This simple shrimp orzo recipe is the perfect easy shrimp dinner! Creamy orzo, fresh lemon, and juicy shrimp come together in one pot for a quick, healthy meal ready in 30 minutes.

If you’re craving a light but satisfying dinner that comes together quickly, this One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp is a must-try. Packed with tender shrimp, bright lemon flavor, creamy orzo, and fresh herbs, this dish is the perfect weeknight meal. And the best part? It’s all made in one pot — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Give it a try and let me know what creative twists you add!

large skillet of lemon orzo shrimp with lemon slices

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lemon Shrimp Orzo

  • Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
  • One Pot Clean-Up: Fewer dishes means more time to relax
  • Fresh, Bright Flavors: fresh lemons and herbs make it perfect for spring and summer
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand
  • Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that kids and adults both enjoy

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy dinner:

  • Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Orzo pasta
  • Asparagus
  • Olive oil, divided
  • Fresh garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

ingredients for one pot lemon orzo shrimp

Instructions: How to Make One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp

Step 1: Prep & Cook the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side, until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside while you prepare the orzo.

Step 2: Toast Orzo

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the orzo to the pan and stir to coat. Toast for 2 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the asparagus and orzo.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Lower the heat slightly and cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Stir the cooked shrimp into the orzo. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve with a veggie side or simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

One of the best things about this one pot lemon orzo shrimp is how easy it is to customize. Here are some great swaps and add-ons:

  • Protein Options: Substitute the shrimp with scallops, cooked chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Shrimp Seasoning: season the shrimp with one of my Homemade Seasoning Blends (Mediterranean or Italian) or Old Bay Seasoning to add extra flavor
  • Broth Substitute: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dish.
  • Cheese Swap: Try crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a more Mediterranean flair.
  • Add Greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula right before serving for added nutrients.
  • Extra Veggies: Add peas, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini along with the orzo for a complete meal in one pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure you thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.

What if I don’t have orzo?

You can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini or even use couscous. Adjust cooking times as needed — smaller pasta may cook faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The lemon and herbs still keep the dish flavorful.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning.

Can I make this ahead?

This dish is best fresh, but you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if it dries out during reheating.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of broth or water to loosen up the orzo.

Macros for Lemon Orzo Shrimp

See recipe card below for complete nutritional information.

Protein: 17 grams

Carbs: 24 grams

Fat: 11 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

More One-Pot Dinners

​Cheesy Ground Turkey & Rice Skillet

One Pan Caprese Chicken

Easy Skillet Lasagna

Healthy Vegetable Frittata

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One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: 30 minute dinner, easy shrimp dinner, lemon shrimp, one pan shrimp, shrimp and orzo, skillet meal
One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp - This simple shrimp orzo recipe is the perfect easy shrimp dinner! Creamy orzo, fresh lemon, and juicy shrimp come together in one pot for a quick, healthy meal ready in 30 minutes.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb raw peeled, deveined shrimp
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 cup asparagus pieces, 1 inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink. Remove from the skillet.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Add the orzo and toss to coat. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and continue to cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the orzo and aspragus. Stir well.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed and orzo is tender. Remove from heat.
  • Add the shrimp, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and parsley to the pan. Stir to combine.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 104mg, Sodium: 867mg, Potassium: 247mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 383IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 136mg, Iron: 1mg

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