One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Rice
This one-pan lemon garlic shrimp and rice is a weeknight dinner hero—quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Plump shrimp, fluffy rice, and a burst of lemon come together in under 30 minutes, all in a single skillet. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir to coat in the oil and garlic. Toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, stir in frozen peas. Place shrimp on top of the rice, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until rice is tender and shrimp are heated through.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra lemon juice if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with more parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips
- Swap in brown rice for a whole-grain twist—just increase the cooking time and broth.
- Try adding chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- For a dairy-free version, this recipe is already perfect as written!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water with a bouillon cube or vegetable broth works too.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Looking for more easy skillet dinners? Try my Chicken Kiev or Rainbow Pasta next!