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Easy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Shrimp and Spinach

one-pan lemon orzo with shrimp and spinach - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring lemon-infused orzo pasta, tender shrimp, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines bright, fresh flavors with comforting textures and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) dry orzo pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined shrimp, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 4 cups (about 120g) fresh baby spinach, washed and trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: peel and devein shrimp if needed, mince garlic, zest and juice lemon, wash spinach.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add dry orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat with garlic oil.
  4. Pour in 3 cups broth and lemon juice, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add extra broth or water if needed.
  6. Nestle shrimp into the orzo and scatter spinach on top. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque and spinach is wilted.
  7. Remove lid, stir in butter and lemon zest, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

If orzo seems dry or sticky, add a few tablespoons of broth or water while finishing to restore creaminess. Avoid overcrowding shrimp to prevent steaming and rubbery texture. Fresh lemon zest adds essential brightness beyond lemon juice alone. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with quinoa or gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time. For dairy-free, omit butter and Parmesan or use vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo, shrimp recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, spinach, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-orzo-with-shrimp-and-spinach-recipe-to-try-tonight/