By This shrimp orzo recipe is light and fresh yet hearty and satisfying! The shrimp get cooked in garlic and lemon then combined with orzo, spinach, and tomato. The recipe only takes one pan and 30 minutes for a beautiful Mediterranean dish rich in protein, pasta, and vegetables. Sometimes dinner needs to be quick, easy, and still delicious. That’s what this recipe offers. It’s made all in one pan, ready in 30 minutes, and provides you with good sources of protein, pasta, and vegetables in a single dish. If you fancy simple seafood meals, my lemon garlic salmon is a great choice for a quick family dinner.
Reasons You Will Adore This Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Making this shrimp orzo dish will only take you a short time since it is efficient and practical. Besides that you will be able to eat a healthy meal with minimal prep and cleaning.
- Ready in approximately 30 minutes
- Less cleaning, more relaxation only one pan
- Protein-packed dinner- the protein from shrimp will keep you satiated
- Everyone gets to like it great, versatile flavors for all family members
This meal is the type of food that makes it seem like you’ve spent more time preparing it than you actually have.
What Is Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo?
Mediterranean shrimp orzo is a simple one-pan pasta dish prepared with shrimp, orzo, broth, garlic, lemon, and some veggies. It is a quick meal that tastes fresh thanks to the ingredients being simple and balanced. Orzo is short for pasta that looks like rice, so it not only cooks quickly but also takes on flavors very well. That’s exactly the reason it works great for skillet meals such as this one. Shrimp in this dish stays juicy, orzo becomes aromatic, and lemon keeps the whole thing zesty and fresh.
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Main Ingredients & Alternatives
Shrimp, The primary source of protein
Shrimp are not only quick to prepare but also help to maintain the lightness of this dish while providing a good amount of protein. Large size shrimp are the best option because they remain juicy and cook evenly. You can use frozen shrimp without any problem. Just make sure to completely thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Alternatives: Chicken, salmon, or scallops.
Pro cooking advice: To get more flavor and nicer color, dry the shrimp.
Orzo, The quick-cooking pasta
With orzo, the meal has a wholesome foundation and the pasta absorbs the soup as it simmers. Besides, it has a shorter cooking time compared to other types of pasta, so it enables dinner preparation to be speedy.
Alternatives: Little pasta forms, couscous, or boiled rice.
Cooking hint: Keep mixing regularly during cooking to avoid it sticking.
Garlic, The flavor base
Freshly crushed garlic is the main source of flavor of the whole dish. It adds that familiar, comforting note to the shrimp and broth.
Substitutions: If you have to, use garlic powder.
Cooking tip: As soon as it gets a little color it shall be taken off the heat to prevent bitterness coming through.
Cherry Tomatoes, The light sauce
The tomatoes release juices when cooked that not only help in making a sauce but also make the tomatoes very soft. In addition to that, tomato sweetening complements the shrimp perfectly.
Alternatives: You can use roma tomatoes or grape tomatoes instead.
Cooking suggestion: Make sure tomatoes are cooked to the point they become very soft so that they can be mashed easily afterwards.
Spinach, The easy vegetable
Spinach is a beautiful green that makes a dish healthy and lively without adding any kind of overpowering taste. Its cooking time is very short.
Alternatives: kale, arugula, or diced zucchini
How to cook: toss in at last to maintain its freshness and brightness.
Lemon, The Fresh Finish
Lemon is what ties all the flavors together in a dish and prevents it from tasting too heavy. Using fresh juice is very important here.
Substitutions: If necessary, use bottled lemon juice.
Cooking tip: To retain the flavor at its freshest, always add the lemon juice after cooking.
Feta, Optional but definitely recommended
Feta imparts a distinct salty, creamy note that complements the Mediterranean taste perfectly. You don’t have to add it, but I think it’s a great addition.
Substitutions: Parmesan or goat cheese.
Cooking tip: Incorporate just before serving
Easy Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Recipe
This dish of shrimp and orzo pasta is not only quick and simple but also a one-pan meal that is healthy and satisfying. It is loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a taste of the Mediterranean that is both simple and lively. Great for distinguishing between weekdays and weekends or for time-saving meal prep.
Course: Dinner Cuisine: Mediterranean Keyword: Shrimp Orzo Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 410 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
Step 1. Flavor the shrimp
First, put the shrimp into a bowl and add the paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to them. Stir until evenly coated.
2. Cook the shrimp
Warm the olive oil in a big pan on medium flame. Place the shrimp and cook for around 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Take them out of the pan and keep them aside. It’s okay if they’re a bit undercooked as they will cook completely later on.
3. Sauté the garlic and cook the tomatoes
Throw garlic into the skillet that was just used. Sauté for 30 seconds. Then add the tomatoes and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until they are soft. The tomato juice will be the base for the sauce.
4. Cook the orzo
Mix in the raw orzo with a spatula. Add the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep cooking it for about 10 minutes, keep stirring regularly to prevent the orzo from sticking. If you see the pan getting dry before the orzo is done, give it a little splash of broth.
5. Complete the meal
Mix the spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the dish. Cook for another minute or two until the spinach is just wilted. Put the shrimp back into the pan and mix all ingredients well. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 410 kcal Protein: 34g Carbohydrates: 31g Fat: 14g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 4g Sodium: 520mg
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Tips for the Best Shrimp Orzo
There are just some very minor things that make a huge difference in this recipe. Here is what gives the best results:
Use evenly sized shrimp
Select the shrimp that are mostly the same size. It is easier to cook them properly this way. The smaller shrimp in the mix will just cook much more quickly and overcook if you don’t pay close attention.
Don’t overcook the shrimp
Shrimp cooks very fast. Take them off the heat as soon as their color changes to pink. They will get some more cooking when you put them in again. This way they stay nice and juicy.
Keep Stirring the Orzo
Orzo breaks down quickly and can get stuck if you don’t stir it. Give it a stir every few minutes on low heat. Besides, it will assist in cooking the orzo evenly.
Use broth instead of water
It is broth that imparts the orzo its flavor during cooking. Water can be used but you won’t get that deep flavor in the end dish.
Put the lemon in last
Lemons are most flavorful when they are added to the dish at the very end. If you cook the lemon for a very long time, its flavor will become less intense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Just a handful of tiny mishaps can really alter the texture of this meal.
Overcooking the shrimp
When it gets overcooked, shrimp changes texture rapidly from succulent to chewy.
Be careful. As soon as they turn pink and start curling, remove them.
Letting the orzo dry out
Orzo is well-known for soaking up the liquid super fast. Always watch the pan closely. If you feel the need, add a little bit of broth.
Adding spinach too early
Spinach is one of the veggies that are ready in minutes. Throwing it in way earlier may result in it being overcooked and mushy. So, throw it in only when you are almost ready to serve.
Skipping the final taste test
Always make sure to have a final taste of your food before serving it. Possibly, your plate might need a bit more salt or a splash of lemon juice. Doing so is really the icing on the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Both shrimp and orzo are very forgiving when it comes to being stored and reheated. That makes them a perfect pair for those times when you have extra food and want to save some for later or cook once and eat multiple times.
Refrigerate
Leftovers will stay good for up to 4 days if you keep them in the fridge in a sealed container. Make sure the shrimp and orzo are fully cool before you put them away so the additional steam won’t make the container too moist. This is the best way to prevent the orzo from overly softening.
Freezing
First, if you plan to freeze it, make sure it is cool completely. Put the dish in freezer-safe containers and it can be stored in the freezer up to 2 months. If you want the best texture, freeze single servings. This makes it much more convenient and quicker to reheat. Also, be aware that the orzo may become a little softer after you thaw it.
Heating up on the stove (the best way)
Put the leftovers in a skillet and heat over medium-low. Add some chicken broth or water. Stir occasionally and heat through for 4-5 minutes. This will help the orzo get loose and the shrimp will not dry out. If you want the texture closest to fresh, this is definitely the method to go with.
Heating up in the microwave (the fast way)
Put shrimp orzo in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little bit of broth or water. Loosely cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Give it a heat of 30 seconds, mix and repeat. This way the pasta won’t dry out.
Reheating tip
If after warming the dish it seems dry, a bit of lemon juice or olive oil goes a long way. It really helps to bring the flavors back.
Simple Variants
You can change this recipe quite easily and it is very forgiving.
Get more protein
Consider:
- diced chicken
- salmon
- chickpeas
- white beans
It’s a nice option if you want to get some more protein.
Put in more vegetables
Suggestions:
- zucchini
- mushrooms
- kale
- bell peppers
They go well with the lemon and garlic.
Go dairy-free
No feta. It will still be good.
Make it spicy
Throw in some red pepper flakes when garlic is cooking. Just a little change but a great difference in flavor.
What Goes Well With Shrimp Orzo?
Shrimp orzo can be quite a hearty meal by itself. Plus, simple sides can complement it beautifully.
Here are some side dishes you can consider:
- Greek salad
- roasted broccoli
- grilled zucchini
- garlic green beans
- cucumber salad
Leftover shrimp orzo is also delicious and can be your next day lunch.
For another day’s meal, you can add a handful of spinach or a medley of roasted veggies to the leftover shrimp orzo.
Other Healthy Dinner Recipes You May Like
If you liked this shrimp orzo, try these simple dinners next time:
- High protein chicken meal prep bowls
- Healthy one pan chicken and vegetables
- Lemon garlic baked salmon
- Mediterranean chickpea bowls
- Easy turkey skillet dinner
If you’re looking for easy dinner staples to build a routine, these are some great choices.
Did you prepare this Shrimp Orzo?
Share a comment and star rating below. Have you included extra veggies, more lemon, or feta? It would be wonderful to know how you enjoyed it.