One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo The Quick, Zesty Dinner You Will Make on Repeat

Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Chef Josie

If spring had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo bright, citrusy, fresh, and full of energy. It is the kind of meal that instantly lifts your mood, warms your kitchen, and feeds your family without demanding lots of time or dishes. When the season shifts to longer days and lighter meals, there is nothing more satisfying than a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting.

This one pan recipe is creamy without cream, indulgent without heaviness, and beautifully balanced with fresh lemon, black pepper, garlic, basil, and plump shrimp. Orzo pasta cooks directly in the pan, soaking up all the aromatics and broth to create a silky, almost risotto like texture. The shrimp cook in just minutes, making this the kind of recipe that works perfectly for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner that still tastes restaurant worthy.

I created this dish on a warm March afternoon, the kind where the sunlight hits differently and you suddenly want a lighter dinner full of brightness. Shrimp always feels like a treat, yet it cooks so quickly that it’s ideal for easy spring meals and April dinner ideas. Orzo adds heartiness without being heavy. And lemon pepper seasoning brings so much flavor with so little effort that it becomes a true hero ingredient.

Whether you’re feeding kids, cooking for yourself, or preparing a spring dinner for friends, this dish truly delivers. It is vibrant, cozy, lively, and above all, incredibly simple to make. You’ll finish your plate and immediately think, “I could eat this again tomorrow.” That is why this One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo becomes a repeat favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo

• One pan cleanup makes this a dream on weeknights.
• Cooks in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
• Bright lemony flavor paired with peppery shrimp is irresistible.
• Creamy texture without cream, thanks to the starch from orzo.
• Perfect spring pasta dish, light yet satisfying.
• Family and kid friendly, with simple ingredients and mild flavor.
• Easily customizable with vegetables or herbs.
• Healthy without feeling restrictive, perfect for easy healthy dinner nights.
• Great for March and April dinner ideas when cravings lean toward citrus and fresh produce.
• Budget friendly, despite tasting like a restaurant meal.

This dish checks every box that makes a recipe repeatable: quick, flavorful, simple, and universally loved.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient serves a specific purpose that contributes to the dish’s spring inspired flavor and creamy texture.

Shrimp

Large peeled and deveined shrimp work best.
Shrimp cook fast and stay tender in this dish.

Orzo

Orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice.
It absorbs broth and lemon beautifully and becomes creamy as it cooks.

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

The star ingredient.
Adds bright citrus and a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.

Fresh Lemon

Lemon juice brings acidity.
Lemon zest brings bold citrus aroma.

Olive Oil

Helps sear the shrimp and toast the orzo.

Garlic

Adds savory backbone and depth.

Onion or Shallot

Softens into the dish and enhances the base flavor.

Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth

Used to cook the orzo directly in the pan.

Butter

Optional but recommended for richness and smoothness.

Fresh Basil

Adds the ultimate spring herb finish.

Salt and Pepper

Needed to balance the lemon and bring out shrimp’s natural sweetness.

The combination creates a creamy, zesty, peppery spring pasta that feels both comforting and refreshing.

How to Make One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo Step by Step

This recipe is incredibly simple and comes together beautifully.

1. Season the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with:

• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Let sit while preparing the base.

2. Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.
Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics

Add onion or shallot and cook until soft.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Toast the Orzo

Add dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 1 to 2 minutes.
Toasting enhances flavor and prevents the pasta from getting mushy.

5. Add Broth and Lemon

Pour in broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Stir everything together.

6. Let the Orzo Simmer

Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add extra broth as needed.

7. Add Butter and Basil

Stir in butter for a silky finish.
Fold in fresh basil to brighten the dish.

8. Add the Shrimp Back

Gently nestle shrimp into the orzo and heat through.

9. Taste and Adjust

Add extra lemon or pepper to taste.
Serve hot.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use high quality lemon pepper to ensure real citrus flavor.
• Zest first, then juice the lemon to avoid waste.
• Do not overcook the shrimp they become rubbery if cooked too long.
• Stir orzo occasionally to keep it from sticking.
• Add broth slowly so the orzo becomes creamy, not soupy.
• Finish with fresh herbs for the brightest spring effect.
• Add chili flakes if you like extra heat.
• Use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile.

These tips ensure each batch turns out creamy, zesty, and perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with simple sides for a complete spring inspired dinner.

Side Dishes

• Roasted asparagus
• Spring salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli

Kid Friendly Pairings

• Soft dinner rolls
• Cucumber slices
• Fruit salad

Add Ons

• Fresh Parmesan
• Extra lemon wedges
• Baby spinach stirred into the warm orzo

This dish is incredibly flexible and pairs well with nearly anything.

Variations

This recipe works beautifully with ingredient swaps.

Vegetable Add Ins

• Peas
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes
• Artichokes

Protein Variations

• Chicken
• Scallops
• Salmon
• Sausage

Creamy Version

Add a splash of heavy cream or half and half.

Spicy Version

Use Cajun lemon pepper or add chili crisp.

Mediterranean Twist

Add feta, olives, and sun dried tomatoes.

These variations keep the dish fresh all spring long.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended due to shrimp texture and orzo becoming soft.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat gently with splash of broth.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat with butter or broth to revive texture.

Why You Will Make This Recipe Again

This One Pan Lemon Pepper Shrimp Orzo becomes a repeat recipe because it is everything spring dinners should be: light, bright, refreshing, fast, and bursting with flavor. It requires almost no effort, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like something from a cozy Mediterranean café.

It is satisfying yet not heavy.
It is kid friendly yet full of grown up flavor.
It is quick yet deeply delicious.
It is a true spring pasta that makes weeknights feel special.

This is the meal you turn to on those days when you want something fresh and zesty without spending all night in the kitchen. And once you make it, you will absolutely make it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Not recommended because the liquid ratio and cooking time differ significantly.

3. What if the orzo absorbs too much liquid?
Simply add extra broth until creamy.

4. Can I make this dairy free?
Yes. Skip the butter and add a drizzle of olive oil at the end.

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