One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

One pot garlic butter shrimp is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s quick, comforting, and comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, the combination of juicy shrimp, golden orzo, and zesty lemon is downright irresistible.

I first came across this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying but with minimal cleanup. After tweaking it a little for more garlic and a buttery finish, it quickly became a regular in my mealtime rotation. Trust me—you’ll love how easy this is, and your family or guests will be wowed by the flavor.

How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

This recipe is a breeze to whip up with just a skillet and a handful of pantry staples. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the ingredient list for this shrimp and orzo skillet. Most of these are everyday staples, but the fresh lemon and parsley really elevate the dish.

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced and freshly zested
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ¼ cups chicken stock (you can use vegetable broth if preferred)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for spritzing

You’ll also need a large skillet with a lid—something around 12 inches works perfectly for this dish. The wider base helps everything cook evenly in this easy one pot shrimp dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through this effortlessly flavorful garlic butter shrimp with orzo dish step by step. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner cook, you’ll be able to nail this recipe!

1. Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let this sit for about 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the dish. This makes the shrimp flavorful and tender!
2. Toast the orzo: Heat the butter in your skillet over medium heat. Add the orzo and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until it’s golden and smells nutty. That toasty flavor really makes a difference.
3. Add the garlic and stock: Stir in two cloves of minced garlic and let it bloom for about 30 seconds. Then pour in the chicken stock. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo absorbs the stock and is fluffy.
4. Add the shrimp: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the marinated shrimp along with any juices left in the bowl. Cover again and cook for 5–8 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
5. Finish with parsley and lemon: Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh parsley and give it a generous spritz of lemon juice. For extra indulgence, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter before serving (totally optional but highly recommended).

Serve immediately and enjoy this flavor-packed lemon garlic shrimp and pasta style meal that everyone will love!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here are my tried-and-true tips to make sure your weeknight shrimp and orzo recipe is a winner every time.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh (or properly thawed frozen) shrimp cook faster and taste better. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to pat them dry completely after thawing.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—usually within 5–8 minutes. Once they turn pink and curled, they’re done. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
• Lightly toast the orzo: Taking a minute to toast your orzo in butter before adding liquids gives the dish a richer, nuttier flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Customize with extras: Feel free to add some spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes for extra color and nutrition. Just toss them in with the shrimp.

Common Questions About One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp

Curious about making this dish even better? Here are a few FAQs I often get about this recipe. Let’s dive in!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo works best for this recipe, you could substitute with small-shaped pasta like ditalini or pearl couscous. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet over low heat to loosen up the orzo.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free alternative or just use olive oil. It’ll still be delicious and rich.

What other proteins can I use?

If you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute it with cooked chicken pieces or even scallops. Keep the cooking time in mind, as these may require slight adjustments.

Ready to Try This One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp? Let’s Cook!

You’re going to love how flavorful and easy this dish is. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend all night cleaning up. Give it a try tonight—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love other quick meals like my easy skillet chicken or slow cooker soups. Don’t forget to share your version of this recipe on social media and tag KitchenShortcuts.net. Happy cooking!