One Pot Lemony Orzo with Shrimp

This one pot lemony orzo with shrimp is the kind of dinner that feels elevated but comes together effortlessly.

Creamy, bright, and packed with fresh lemon flavor, it’s made with tender shrimp, toasted orzo, garlic, and parmesan all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

Think of it as a Mediterranean-inspired twist on risotto, but much easier.

The orzo cooks directly in broth, soaking up flavor while creating a silky, creamy texture without the constant stirring.

It’s fresh, comforting, and exactly the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat!

WHAT IS ONE POT LEMONY ORZO WITH SHRIMP?

One pot lemony orzo with shrimp is a creamy, risotto-style pasta dish made by simmering orzo directly in broth with garlic, lemon, and parmesan, then finishing with tender shrimp.

Everything cooks in a single pot, creating a rich, cohesive dish with minimal cleanup.

Why you’ll love this one pot lemony orzo with shrimp

• One pot, minimal cleanup: everything cooks in a single pan
• Creamy without effort: the orzo naturally thickens the sauce
• Bright, balanced flavor: lemon cuts through the richness perfectly
• Quick enough for weeknights: ready in under 40 minutes
• Feels elevated but simple: restaurant-quality with pantry ingredients

WHAT IS ORZO?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat, commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking.

Despite its appearance, it is not a grain, it cooks like pasta and absorbs liquid similarly to risotto.

Because of its size and texture, orzo is ideal for one-pot dishes like this lemony orzo with shrimp.

As it simmers in broth, it releases starch and creates a naturally creamy consistency without requiring constant stirring.

Is orzo pasta or rice?

Orzo is pasta, not rice. It’s made from wheat and cooks like traditional pasta.

Why use orzo in this recipe?

Orzo creates a creamy, cohesive texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp, lemon, and parmesan which gives you a risotto-like result with much less effort.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE LEMONY ORZO WITH SHRIMP?

Olive oil – Adds richness and helps build the flavor base. Make sure to choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.

Unsalted butter – Creates depth and gives the orzo a silky finish.

Yellow onion – Provides a subtle sweetness and savory base.

Garlic – Essential for that classic Mediterranean flavor.

Red pepper flakes – Adds a light heat (optional but recommended).

Orzo pasta – A rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavor beautifully.

Dry white wine – Optional, but adds acidity and depth.

Chicken broth – The cooking liquid that gives the orzo its flavor.

Lemon zest & juice – Brightens the entire dish and balances richness.

Shrimp – Tender, quick-cooking protein that pairs perfectly with lemon.

Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and creates a creamy texture. Learn more about parmesan here.

Heavy cream – Enhances the richness and smoothness of the sauce.

Fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a clean finish.

Salt & black pepper – Essential for balancing all flavors. Taste and adjust to your liking.

HOW TO MAKE ONE POT LEMONY ORZO WITH SHRIMP

Step 1 – Prep ingredients

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop parsley, grate parmesan, and zest and juice the lemon.

Step 2 – Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3 – Toast the orzo

Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. Toasting the orzo enhances its flavor and helps create a creamier final texture.

Step 4 – Deglaze

If using, pour in white wine and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits. Allow it to reduce slightly.

Step 5 – Simmer

Add chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 6 – Add shrimp

Nestle the shrimp into the orzo, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 4–6 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, they should be just pink and tender.

Step 7 – Remove from heat

Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan and heavy cream until smooth. Add lemon juice and parsley.

Step 8 – Taste and serve

Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm with extra parmesan and parsley.

TIPS FOR THE BEST LEMONY ORZO WITH SHRIMP

• Toast the orzo for deeper flavor
• Don’t overcook the shrimp
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Use freshly grated parmesan
• Add lemon juice at the end for brightness

RECIPE VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Add spinach (stir in at the end)
• Add sun-dried tomatoes
• Use chicken instead of shrimp
• Make it spicy with more chili flakes
• Add fresh herbs like basil or dill

WHAT TO SERVE WITH LEMONY ORZO WITH SHRIMP

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Greek salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread

MAKE AHEAD, STORING, FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS

Make ahead: Best fresh, but can be prepped to the simmer stage.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

• Large skillet with lid
• Microplane (for lemon zest)
• Wooden spoon

RECIPE FAQS

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Tuscan Chicken Orzo
• One Pot Greek Chicken & Rice
• Lemon Orzo with Asparagus

If you try this one pot lemony orzo with shrimp, I’d love to hear how you serve it. Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @spoonfulofsi I love seeing your Mediterranean-inspired plates!