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Lemon Shrimp Orzo

A quick lemon shrimp orzo with zucchini and Parmesan. This dinner is designed to become Chilled Lemon Shrimp Orzo Salad for a work-box meal. Version: 0.3.0.

Servings and Time

  • Servings: 4, plus leftovers for 2 to 4 lunches
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: about 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed
  • 12 oz orzo
  • 2 zucchini, diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp jarred minced garlic
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Side

  • Roasted broccoli

Instructions

Cook the Orzo

  1. Cook the orzo in salted water until al dente.
  2. Drain and reserve a little pasta water if needed.

Cook the Zucchini and Shrimp

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
  2. Sauté the zucchini until lightly browned, then remove from the skillet.
  3. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, then remove from the skillet.

Finish the Orzo

  1. Melt the butter in the skillet.
  2. Cook the minced garlic briefly until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, orzo, zucchini, shrimp, and Parmesan.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve with roasted broccoli and reserve leftovers for Chilled Lemon Shrimp Orzo Salad.

Planned Transformation

This dinner is designed to become Chilled Lemon Shrimp Orzo Salad for a cold work-box meal.

Additional Ingredients

  • Lemon wedge
  • Parmesan
  • Optional chopped parsley
  • Optional feta
  • Optional diced cucumber
  • Optional drizzle of olive oil

Before Leaving for Work

  1. Portion the shrimp orzo into a shallow meal-prep container.
  2. Refrigerate until leaving for work.
  3. Pack the lemon wedge and Parmesan separately.

At Work / At 2:00 AM

  1. Do not reheat.
  2. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top.
  3. Add Parmesan.
  4. Toss gently.
  5. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Chill shrimp orzo promptly.
  • Best eaten within 1 to 2 days.
  • Add fresh lemon after chilling to brighten the flavor.

AnyList Cooking Notes

Source: Kester Family Cookbook
Version: 0.3.0
URL: https://cookbook.connellkesters.com/recipes/main-dishes/lemon-shrimp-orzo/

Status and Testing Notes

Current status: testing

  • Date tested:
  • Result:
  • Next adjustment:

What Matters

  • Do not overcook the shrimp.
  • Cook shrimp and zucchini separately, then combine at the end.
  • Fresh lemon at serving improves the cold transformation.

Revision Notes

  • 2026-07-06: Initial AnyList-ready recipe added from the 2026-07-05 rotation.