If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors, effortless cooking, and minimal cleanup, the One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This vibrant, zesty meal brings together tender shrimp, creamy orzo, and bright hints of lemon and parsley—all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe plays a key role in layering flavors, boosting texture, and adding fresh color to your dish. They’re simple but essential, making your cooking experience joyful and straightforward.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious broth for a creamy texture.
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a sweet, tender bite that pairs beautifully with the orzo.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that makes the orzo tender and infuses the whole dish with rich savory goodness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings that irresistible aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- ½ cup fresh parsley (chopped): Parsley adds a fresh, bright green note and a lovely herbal finish.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: The lemon juice introduces a lively acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until its fragrant aroma fills your kitchen, just about one minute. This step is crucial—it infuses the oil with deep, savory flavor, setting a delicious foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the pot with the garlic oil. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until each shrimp turns a lovely pink and becomes opaque. This gentle cooking keeps your shrimp tender, juicy, and perfectly done without overcooking.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
Next, stir in the orzo pasta along with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, just until the orzo reaches al dente—the ideal slight bite that means it’s cooked through but not mushy.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Once you’ve removed the pot from the heat, quickly stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. These final touches brighten the dish with zesty and fresh flavors, rounding everything off with a gorgeous herbaceous aroma and taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe warm, garnished with additional parsley if you like. The colors and aromas on the plate will instantly invite you to dig in, making every bite a delightful experience.
How to Serve One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side can elevate the presentation and flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a bit of grated Parmesan if you want a creamy, salty twist. These simple garnishes make the dish feel fresh and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe is it’s a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or grilled vegetables. A crusty bread to soak up any leftover broth also makes an excellent companion, turning your meal into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the shrimp and orzo in individual shallow bowls or mini cast iron skillets. Layer some extra parsley on top and place a decorative twist of lemon peel for a burst of color. This adds a touch of elegance without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Shrimp Orzo should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a reheated dinner after a busy day.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal, as the texture of both shrimp and orzo can change. If you do freeze it, use airtight containers and consume within 1 month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess, stirring gently until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure heat distributes evenly without overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture which can affect the cooking process.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt and some herbs for flavor. Just keep in mind broth adds a depth that water alone can’t quite match.
How can I adjust the recipe to serve more people?
Simply increase the ingredients proportionally, and use a larger pot to cook everything evenly. Just keep the cooking times similar and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables to the One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe?
Definitely! Adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or peas towards the end of cooking will introduce extra nutrients and vibrant color, making the dish even more delightful.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and ease that will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your home. It’s simple to make, hearty enough to satisfy, and bursting with fresh, bright notes that never get boring. Give it a try, and you’ll see why I keep returning to this dish whenever I want something both comforting and impressive.
Print
One-Pot Shrimp Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One-Pot Shrimp Orzo is a quick and flavorful seafood pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp cooked with garlic and olive oil combine with perfectly simmered orzo in a savory chicken broth, finished with fresh parsley and a bright splash of lemon juice for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low and let the orzo simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until it is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or skip the protein and use vegetable broth.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to maintain a tender texture; they cook quickly.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure orzo is stirred occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
