Description
A quick and delicious one-pan shrimp and orzo dinner ready in just 20 minutes. This savory skillet meal combines tender shrimp, flavorful orzo pasta, and vibrant peas in a buttery garlic sauce, topped with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound medium shrimp (31-40 count), thawed if frozen
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves large garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 fresh lemon (half for juice, half for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Grains & Dairy
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking.
- Melt Butter and Oil: Add butter and olive oil to the heated skillet and allow the butter to melt completely to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Orzo: Add chopped onion, garlic, and uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent and the orzo is lightly toasted, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Add Broth and Season: Pour in the chicken stock, then season with salt and ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Incorporate Shrimp and Peas: Add the shrimp, lemon juice from half the lemon, frozen peas, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, and peas are heated.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and integrated to create a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with lemon slices and extra Parmesan cheese as desired, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Thaw shrimp completely before cooking for even cooking and best texture.
- Orzo can stick if not stirred occasionally during simmering, so keep an eye and stir gently.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit shrimp, adding extra peas or other vegetables.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean