One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo is a fast, flavor-packed dish where juicy shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in one pan. It’s creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull off. When I want something elegant without the fuss, this recipe is always my go-to.

One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it feels like something I’d order at a fancy restaurant—but I can make it in under 30 minutes with just one pan. The garlic butter sauce is rich and aromatic, the shrimp cook in minutes, and the orzo soaks up all the delicious flavor. It’s quick, low mess, and totally satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just treating myself, this one never fails.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Orzo pasta
Garlic, minced
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Onion or shallot, finely chopped
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Salt and black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, I melt some butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. I cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque, then transfer them to a plate.
In the same pan, I add a bit more butter and sauté the onion or shallot until soft, about 2–3 minutes. I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the dry orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring often. Then I pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
I reduce the heat and simmer the orzo uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I stir in the grated Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and the cooked shrimp. I toss everything together until heated through.
I finish with chopped parsley or basil and a little more lemon if I want it extra fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes just 25–30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner, quick date night meal, or cozy solo dinner with leftovers for the next day.

Variations

Sometimes I add baby spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and texture. If I’m craving even more richness, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese. I’ve also made it with scallops or diced chicken in place of shrimp. And when I want to make it dairy-free, I skip the cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. It tastes just as good the next day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

What is orzo?

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up sauce beautifully. It’s perfect for one-pot meals like this.

Can I use rice instead of orzo?

Technically yes, but the cooking time and liquid ratio will change. I prefer orzo for the creamy, pasta-like texture it gives.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I often prep the shrimp and chop the aromatics in advance. The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

I cook the shrimp separately first, then add them back at the end to reheat gently in the sauce without turning rubbery.

Conclusion

One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo is a quick, delicious dish that’s full of flavor and comfort. The garlicky butter sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and creamy orzo make for an irresistible combination. It’s the kind of recipe I rely on when I want something easy and impressive with minimal cleanup. Every time I make it, I remember why it’s a favorite.