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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – Easy One-Pan Dinner

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is an easy one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes.Orzo cooks in savory broth before shrimp, spinach and Parmesan are added.Fresh lemon and garlic give the creamy dish a bright, savory finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2½ cups low-sodium halal chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon about 3 tablespoons
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the uncooked orzo and stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing it to become lightly toasted.
  • Pour in the broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo does not stick.
  • Add the shrimp and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to distribute the shrimp throughout the orzo.
  • Cover and continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through and the orzo is tender.
  • Reduce the heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, and baby spinach.
  • Gently mix until the cheese melts, the spinach wilts, and the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo becomes creamy.
  • Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm. Add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Vegetable broth works particularly well if halal chicken broth is unavailable. It creates a slightly lighter flavor while still giving the orzo a savory base.
For additional vegetables, try adding peas, asparagus, zucchini, or finely chopped broccoli.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, serve the dish with fresh lemon wedges rather than adding significantly more juice while cooking.
You can also add a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat