Get ready for a weeknight dinner game-changer! This Easy 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp brings together tender shrimp, delicate orzo pasta, and fresh asparagus, all bathed in a creamy, zesty lemon-garlic sauce. It’s an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that cooks up in under 30 minutes, all in just one pan (plus the shrimp prep!), making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true kitchen hero! What I love most is how it delivers big on flavor and comfort with such minimal effort and time. The shrimp sears quickly, the orzo cooks right in the pan, absorbing all the savory broth and aromatic garlic, and the lemon and asparagus add a burst of fresh, bright flavor. It feels wonderfully indulgent and gourmet, yet it’s incredibly healthy and comes together faster than takeout. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness, making it a go-to for my busy life!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this quick and flavorful 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp (serves 3):
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
- Avocado oil spray, 3-4 seconds (or 1 tbsp olive oil)
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta (or whole wheat orzo)
- 2.5-3 cups lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fat-free half & half (or 1-2 Tbsp Neufchatel cream cheese)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2-3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley
- Chili flakes
Swaps and Notes
- Shrimp: Medium to large raw shrimp work best. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking. You can swap for cubed chicken breast for a different protein, adjusting cooking time.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth to the shrimp, but regular paprika works fine.
- Avocado Oil Spray: A neutral oil spray works well for searing. If using liquid oil, use about 1 tablespoon.
- Shallot: A shallot adds a delicate onion flavor. If you don’t have one, finely minced yellow onion (about 1/4 cup) can be used.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best flavor.
- Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. Whole wheat orzo is a good, healthier alternative.
- Broth: Lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth gives you more control over the salt content.
- Fat-Free Half & Half: This adds creaminess without too much fat. Neufchatel cream cheese (a lower-fat cream cheese) is an excellent alternative for richness. A splash of regular heavy cream can also be used for a richer sauce.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are absolutely essential for that bright, zesty finish.
- Asparagus: Asparagus adds a lovely fresh, slightly crisp texture. Green peas, chopped spinach, or broccolini florets are good substitutions.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds savory depth.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp cooked in no time!
- Season Shrimp: Pat the raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, season the shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat a large, deep pan or skillet (one with a lid is ideal for later simmering) over medium-high heat. Spray with avocado oil (or add 1 tbsp olive oil). Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (pink and opaque). Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the finely minced shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toast Orzo: Stir the dry orzo pasta into the pan with the shallots and garlic. Let it toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the orzo.
- Cook Orzo (Risotto-Style): Gradually add the lower-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the orzo, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir frequently. Allow the orzo to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. Continue this process, stirring often, until the orzo is cooked al dente and creamy, much like a risotto. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Add more broth as needed to keep the orzo from sticking and to achieve your desired creamy consistency.
- Finish with Creaminess & Veggies: Once the orzo is cooked and creamy, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest, fat-free half & half (or Neufchatel cream cheese), and the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped asparagus to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Combine & Garnish: Return the seared shrimp to the pan with the orzo mixture. Toss gently to combine and heat the shrimp through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes (if desired, for a touch of heat). Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and easy 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Remove it from the pan as soon as it’s opaque to keep it tender.
- Toast Orzo: This small step adds significant depth of flavor to the pasta.
- Gradually Add Broth: Treating the orzo like a risotto, by adding broth gradually, ensures it becomes creamy and absorbs flavors fully.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns easily and can turn bitter. Keep an eye on it during sautéing.
- Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the bright, zesty flavor. Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant result.
- Al Dente Orzo: Cook the orzo until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light sides:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy lemon sauce.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Green Beans: For extra veggies, steamed green beans complement the flavors nicely.
- For other quick and easy seafood dishes, consider our Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi for a similar rich, buttery, and garlicky experience.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture of the shrimp and orzo.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The orzo will absorb more sauce and become softer upon standing.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the orzo seems too dry. Reheating on the stovetop over low heat is also an option.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the orzo and shrimp textures can suffer.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the fresh, flavorful, and easy nature of this orzo pasta dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic seafood and quick-cook recipes:
- For another vibrant and zesty seafood meal, check out our Shrimp Tacos.
- If you’re a fan of super easy one-pan meals, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a must-try.
- And for another go-to comforting chicken meal that comes together quickly, our One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice is a winner.
- Finally, for a versatile chicken dish that works for any occasion, our Pineapple Chicken and Rice is another fantastic option.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 1-Pan Lemon Orzo Pasta with Shrimp is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly gourmet-tasting meal to your table in record time. It’s light, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels special.
Give this recipe a try and let the bright, zesty flavors brighten your mealtime! What are your favorite quick-cooking seafood dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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