Shrimp Orzo – This quick, flavorful, and healthy dish is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s brimming with fresh flavors, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked orzo.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Orzo
Shrimp Orzo is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why this dish will quickly become a favorite:
Mediterranean Flavors: Lemon, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs give this dish a bright, zesty flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean up, which is always a win!
Balanced and Nutritious: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, while orzo provides a satisfying base rich in carbohydrates.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Orzo
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Al dente orzo: Make sure your orzo is cooked to al dente for the best texture. If it’s overcooked, it can become mushy when combined with the other ingredients.
- Season as you go: Salt your water when cooking orzo, and taste for seasoning as you add the broth and shrimp.
Variations of Shrimp Orzo
One of the great things about Shrimp Orzo is how customizable it is. Here are some variations to try:
Shrimp Orzo with Pesto: For a unique twist, mix in a spoonful of basil pesto towards the end of cooking.
Spicy Orzo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.
Vegetable-Packed Orzo: Swap the spinach for other greens like kale, or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Creamy Orzo: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy, luxurious texture.
Gluten-Free Orzo: Substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice for a celiac-friendly version.
How to Serve Shrimp Orzo
Shrimp Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but you can complement it with some sides for a more rounded dinner:
- Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Side salad: A simple Mediterranean salad with cucumber, feta, and olives pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Orzo
Storing:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to help rehydrate the orzo. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Freezing:
While orzo dishes can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If you plan to freeze, undercook the orzo slightly and avoid adding the feta until you’re ready to serve.
Shrimp Orzo Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first by running cold water over them or leaving them in the fridge overnight.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the shrimp and orzo fresh for the best texture. You can also prepare the dish up to 1 day in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with couscous, rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini or farfalle.
4. How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Toss the orzo with a little olive oil after cooking to prevent it from clumping together. Also, avoid overcooking it.
Shrimp Orzo (One Pot)
Shrimp Orzo - This quick, flavorful, and healthy dish is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that's brimming with fresh flavors, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked orzo.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Orzo:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1/2 cup oil-cured black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup feta, crumbled
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and salt. Let this marinate for at least 10 minutes. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, until almost cooked through. Remove from the pan, cover with foil, and set aside.
- Using the same pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion with a pinch of salt until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo, coating it in the olive oil, and toast for about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let the orzo simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Uncover the pot and fold in the olives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cooked shrimp. Remove from heat and mix in the parsley and feta.
- If the orzo looks too dry, add a splash of chicken stock or olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 946Total Fat 67gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 52gCholesterol 392mgSodium 2981mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 52g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Orzo is a delicious, quick, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for both casual dinners and more formal occasions. The bright Mediterranean flavors and ease of preparation make it a winner in any kitchen. Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with your favorite veggies or spices, this dish is sure to please.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
