Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe

I absolutely love how this Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe comes together with such simplicity yet delivers a burst of flavor that feels like a celebration on your plate. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how tender the shrimp turned out nestled perfectly in the creamy, lemon-kissed rice, and how clean-up was a breeze thanks to the one-pot method.

You’ll find that this recipe works brilliantly for a weeknight dinner when time is tight but you don’t want to compromise on taste. The lemon and parmesan create a bright, savory combo that pairs beautifully with the shrimp, making it a satisfying meal your whole family will go crazy for.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture in this Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe. Using good-quality chicken broth and fresh lemon zest really lifts the dish.

• Jasmine rice: I love jasmine rice here for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Butter: Dividing the butter helps layer flavor at different stages. Using high-quality unsalted butter makes a noticeable difference.
• Yellow onion: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth; finely chopped so it integrates smoothly.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that essential savory punch without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps things balanced, so you can control the saltiness better.
• Lemon zest and lemon juice: The zest brightens the cooking liquid while the juice adds fresh acidity right at the end.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings but essential for enhancing every bite.
• Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience, shrimp cook quickly and soak in the lemony essence.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for melting into the rice, adding a savory richness.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note at the very end.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my fridge. It’s a very flexible base, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add Veggies: I’ve tossed in peas or spinach for a burst of color and nutrients, and it works beautifully.
• Swap Proteins: If shrimp isn’t your thing, using scallops or chunks of chicken works just as well with the lemon and parmesan combo.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Replace butter and parmesan with olive oil and nutritional yeast for a lighter, dairy-free version I’ve enjoyed recently.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce adds a nice touch if you like heat.

How to Make Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe

Step 1: Prep your rice and sauté aromatics

Start by rinsing your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs nearly clear. This washes away excess starch and helps keep your rice light and fluffy. Then, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in your pot over medium heat and sauté your finely chopped yellow onion until it’s soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just 30 more seconds — you want that garlic flavor to pop without burning it.

Step 2: Cook the rice in flavorful broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add the lemon zest, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then stir in the rinsed rice, quickly coating it in the aromatic broth. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 13 minutes. This is a great moment to peel and devein your shrimp to save time.

Step 3: Add the shrimp and finish cooking

After the rice has absorbed most of the broth and is tender but still with a little bite, spread the peeled shrimp evenly over the rice. Drizzle fresh lemon juice on top and dot the remaining butter over the shrimp. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are halfway cooked through. Then remove the pot from the heat.

Step 4: Add parmesan and parsley, then rest

Stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to the hot rice and shrimp, giving it a gentle toss to combine. Cover the pot again and let it rest for a few minutes—this residual heat finishes cooking the shrimp perfectly while melting the parmesan into a creamy coating.

How to Serve Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra fresh parsley and a light dusting of parmesan on top just before serving—it makes the dish look vibrant and tastes even fresher. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon slices as a pretty garnish and an extra burst of citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or simply some roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or crusty baguette also makes a nice accompaniment for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this recipe in large shallow bowls with colorful microgreens, edible flowers, or drizzled with a tiny bit of chili oil for a sophisticated twist. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors mellow nicely overnight, though the shrimp texture can soften a bit, so I recommend eating it as fresh as possible.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen leftovers on rare occasions, shrimp can become rubbery after thawing, so I usually prefer to make this recipe fresh. If you do freeze it, separate the rice and shrimp if possible and thaw gently overnight.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist, stirring occasionally. I avoid microwaving because it tends to dry out the shrimp, but if you do, cover it loosely with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Lemon Parmesan Rice One Pot Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it feels special yet comes together effortlessly. I love sharing it with friends because it’s comforting and elegant at the same time. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how something so simple becomes a weeknight favorite in your kitchen.

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