Lemony Shrimp & Orzo Skillet
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring succulent shrimp, tender orzo, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lemon finish. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (20-30 count), peeled, deveined, and fully thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus a little extra if needed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes diced (about 1 to 1ΒΌ cups)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice adjust to your liking
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Gently pat your thawed shrimp completely dry with paper towels and set them aside. This simple step helps them sear beautifully!
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and arrange them in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate, leaving any delicious juices in the skillet, and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium. If needed, add 1-2 teaspoons of extra olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to lightly toast it. This step adds wonderful depth of flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, and lemon zest. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 9-11 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the fresh lemon juice. Gently fold the seared shrimp back into the pan to warm them through.
- Just before serving, stir in the crumbled feta and fresh basil. Serve immediately while it's warm and delicious! Enjoy this light and flavorful meal on its own or with a simple side salad.
Notes
Enjoy this light and flavorful meal on its own or with a simple side salad.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 336 kcal, Total Carbs: 35 g, Net Carbs: 33 g, Fats: 10 g, Protein: 26 g
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 336 kcal, Total Carbs: 35 g, Net Carbs: 33 g, Fats: 10 g, Protein: 26 g
