One pot lemon butter shrimp orzo (high protein) -is a delicious spring or summer pasta recipe. This recipe is easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. Since it only uses one pot you will have minimal cleanup for this recipe. It is also so flavorful it tastes like it came from a restaurant!
I love shrimp. For more yummy shrimp recipes try my hot honey shrimp tacos, marry me shrimp orzo or chili crisp noodles with shrimp.
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Why you'll love this spring shrimp and asparagus orzo
It is easy to make and ready in less than 40 minutes.
It is pescatarian, and can be made gluten free.
Thanks to the shrimp and parmesan this recipe has protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- butter
- asparagus
- shrimp
- garlic
- lemon
- dill
- parmesan
- orzo
- broth
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- parmesan - feta would also be yummy here.
- broth - use vegetable broth to keep this vegetarian or bone broth for extra protein
- shrimp - to keep this vegetarian you could use beans instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Cook onions and garlic.
Step 2
Simmer orzo.
Step 3
Cook asparagus and then fold in shrimp.
Step 4
Add your favorite toppings, serve and enjoy.
Storage instructions
You can store the extra pasta in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend reheating on the stove.
Recipe Pro-Tips
Use a good quality parmesan for the best tasting orzo - I used and recommend parmigiano reggiano.
I am obsessed with Costco argentine red shrimp. Not only are they a great deal they are also delicious!
Use bone broth if you would like to bump up the protein in this recipe.
Recipe FAQS
Orzo has more protein and fiber than rice. It does have more carbs but only slightly so.
Shrimp are lower in calories but high in protein and minerals.
Other high protein dinner recipes
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one pot lemon butter shrimp orzo (high protein)
Equipment
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 24 medium - small shrimp I used a mix of argentine red shrimp and gulf shrimp
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika can use regular paprika but smoked adds nice flavor
- 2 ½ tablespoons butter divided
- 1 bunch asparagus - tops cut off and then finely sliced remove the tough bottom first
- ½ cup chopped onion from about ½ onion
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup lemon juice from 1 big juicy lemon
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups bone broth or vegetable broth use code avocadoskillet for 20% off the linked bone broth
- ½ cup water*
- zest from 1 lemon
- ½ cup dill - finely chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan
toppings
- drizzle olive oil
- pinch red pepper flakes
- additional grated parmesan
Instructions
- Add shrimp to a bowl and coat in salt, pepper and paprika.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter to skillet over medium heat. Sear shrimp for about 90 seconds on each side and remove from the pan.
- Add the rest of the butter to the pan along with onion. Cook for 5 minutes then add garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, parmesan, broth, water and a tiny pinch of black pepper to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cover, cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove cover from pan and add asparagus. Cook for 5 minutes, until asparagus is tender.
- Turn heat to low and fold in shrimp. Cook for 1 more minute. Taste and add additional salt if neeed.
- Add your favorite toppings to orzo, I went with cracked black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, additional parm and red pepper flakes. Serve and enjoy.
Ari says
of course had to try it!! Is soooo yummy•easy•quick dish.
Btw, Is a great option for summer time as meal or dinner 🙂
Thanks for the recipe!!! Looking forward to try more recipes
Kristi says
Thank you Ari!
Dinah says
Super fast and super deliscious! I could eat this bowl everyday of asparagus-season.
Kristi says
Thank you Dinah!