Shrimp, orzo, and veggies cooked together in zesty lemon butter for a vibrant, easy one-pan Mediterranean dinner.
# What you'll need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
→ Orzo & Grains
02 - 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small zucchini, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
→ Dairy
09 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
→ Pantry
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
# Method:
01 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just softened.
04 - Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Return shrimp and their juices to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the rest of the lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
