This Shrimp Orzo is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and made in just one pan! Imagine juicy, succulent shrimp mingling with tender orzo, all coated in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s a comforting dish that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to!
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Why You’ll Love Shrimp Orzo
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: A delicious mix of garlic, butter, and seafood goodness.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: A cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Plump, juicy, and full of flavor.
- Orzo: A tiny pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Garlic & Shallots: The aromatic base of the dish.
- Butter & Olive Oil: A rich and flavorful combination.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth to the orzo.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens up the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a creamy, savory finish.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little heat.
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan. Add garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same pan, add orzo and stir for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Simmer: Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then let it simmer until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan. Stir until well combined.
- Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- As a Standalone Dish: Hearty enough to enjoy on its own.
- With Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, fresh shrimp add the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo: It should be tender but not mushy.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for an even richer texture.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- What can I substitute for orzo? Try couscous, rice, or small pasta.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead.
- How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this dish? It’s not ideal, as orzo can get mushy when thawed.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas work well.
- Is this dish spicy? Only if you add red pepper flakes—otherwise, it’s mild.
- Can I use a different protein? Yes! Try chicken, scallops, or even tofu.
- What wine pairs well with this? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect.
Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Orzo—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor!
Print
Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This shrimp orzo is a one-pan, 30-minute meal that combines seared garlic shrimp with creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes. Inspired by Italian flavors, this easy dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s like risotto—but much easier!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count per pound)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
For the Orzo and Sauce:
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1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 cup uncooked orzo
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2 cups chicken stock
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1/4 tsp salt
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14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (about 1 cup)
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4 oz fresh spinach
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1 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking orzo)
Instructions
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Sear the Shrimp:
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In a bowl, toss shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add shrimp and garlic, cooking 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
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Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the Orzo:
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In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, uncooked orzo, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
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Sauté for 2 minutes on medium heat until orzo is lightly toasted.
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Pour in chicken stock and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
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Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
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Add spinach, artichokes, and heavy cream, stirring until spinach wilts.
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Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, letting everything simmer for 2 minutes until warmed through.
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Final Touches & Serve:
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Season with salt, pepper, and extra smoked paprika, if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 220mg