Name: One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz. shrimp (41-60 size), peeled and deveined; 1 fresh lemon (juiced and sliced for garnish); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 Tbsp chopped parsley; 1.5 cups long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup water; 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s seasoning (or seasoning salt)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and comes together with minimal fuss, this One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender shrimp infused with zesty lemon and savory garlic, perfectly nestled on a bed of fluffy, buttery rice — all cooked in a single pan for an effortless, comforting meal. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and beautifully simple, making it ideal whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel pan filled with uncooked white rice spread evenly at the bottom, topped with a small pile of green chopped herbs on the right side and a light brown powdery spice near the top. A clear glass measuring cup is pouring a pale yellow liquid into the pan from the left side, with a visible woman's hand holding the cup. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, showing a clean and simple kitchen setting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the juicy lemon adding a fresh zing to the garlicky butter that envelops the rice. These simple but essential pantry staples come together to create depth, texture, and a wonderful color contrast that makes every bite special.

12 oz. shrimp (41-60 size): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and easy eating.
1 fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for that bright citrus punch that elevates the entire dish.
4 cloves garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with irresistible flavor and aroma.
2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps the rice toast to perfection before simmering.
1.5 cups long grain white rice: This rice cooks fluffy and absorbs all the flavorful liquids beautifully.
2 cups chicken broth: The savory base for cooking the rice, giving it depth without extra fuss.
1/2 cup water: Helps balance the liquid for just the right rice texture.
1 tsp Tony Chachere’s seasoning: This Cajun seasoning adds a subtle kick; you can substitute with seasoning salt if preferred.
2 Tbsp chopped parsley: For a fresh, green finish that brightens each bite.

How to Make One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Lemon

Start by making sure your shrimp is thawed and peeled if it’s frozen or unpeeled. Then, juice half the lemon to get about 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, which will add that sunny, tangy flavor that sings throughout the dish. Slice the remaining lemon for garnish — it’s not just pretty but adds a lovely pop of color on your plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Mince the garlic finely and add it to a deep skillet with the butter. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic turns fragrant but not browned. This step awakens the buttery garlic base, ensuring every grain of rice captures that luscious flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Sprinkle the uncooked rice into the skillet and continue sautéing for another 1 to 2 minutes. You should hear delightful little snaps and crackles as the rice lightly toasts in the buttery garlic mixture — this step is what gives your rice a more complex, nutty undertone.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Carefully pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and water. Sprinkle in the Tony Chachere’s seasoning and stir in the chopped parsley. Giving everything a good stir ensures that the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly flavored rice.

Step 5: Simmer the Rice

Place a lid tightly over the skillet and bring the liquid to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This gentle simmer allows the rice to absorb the flavorful broth without burning or sticking.

Step 6: Add Shrimp and Continue Cooking

After 10 minutes, most of the liquid should be absorbed. Lift the lid briefly, scatter the shrimp evenly over the rice, and replace the lid. Let the skillet cook over low heat for another 5 minutes. The shrimp will steam gently, turning beautifully opaque and pink.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Fluff

Remove the pan from heat but keep the lid on for a final 5-minute rest. This resting period lets the flavors mingle and the rice finish cooking perfectly. When ready, fluff the rice with a fork, gently mixing in the shrimp. Add those lemon slices and a final sprinkle of parsley for an inviting presentation.

How to Serve One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe

A metal pan filled with a single layer of cooked white rice at the bottom, topped with a spread of pinkish-orange cooked shrimp evenly placed across the rice, all sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes elevate this dish spectacularly. Fresh lemon slices add visual appeal and an optional extra zing when squeezed over just before eating. A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only brightens the plate but adds a fresh herbal note that livens up every bite.

Side Dishes

Since this is an all-in-one dish, you might think sides are unnecessary — but a light, crisp salad or some steamed green beans can balance the rich, buttery flavors beautifully. For added texture and crunch, garlic toasted bread or a crusty baguette works perfectly to soak up the juicy bits at the bottom of the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve it in rustic cast iron skillets right at the table, letting guests dive straight into the warmth. You can also plate it individually, topping with additional lemon wedges and a drizzle of good olive oil for a simple yet elegant touch. This recipe’s vibrant colors make it Instagram-worthy without any extra effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making each bite even more comforting the next day. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the leftover One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat gently to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwaving on medium power in short intervals works well—just remember to stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp straight from the freezer?

It’s best to thaw your shrimp completely and peel them if necessary before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking frozen shrimp directly might result in unevenly cooked seafood.

What can I substitute for Tony Chachere’s seasoning?

If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s seasoning, feel free to use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend or even a simple seasoning salt. A pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne can also mimic that signature flavor.

Is long grain rice essential for this recipe?

Long grain rice works best because it stays fluffy and separate after cooking. Short grain rice tends to be stickier and might turn mushy when cooked in this method.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To keep the spirit of the recipe while going plant-based, you can replace shrimp with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust seasonings to taste for a delicious alternative.

How can I make the rice more flavorful?

To boost flavor, consider sautéing finely chopped onions along with the garlic or adding a splash of white wine before adding the liquids. Fresh herbs beyond parsley, like thyme or basil, can also add extra layers of taste.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves bursting citrus notes, tender seafood, and effortless cooking. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, with flavors that sing and a simple process that makes you look like a kitchen pro. Give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners.