Fresh One-Pan Shrimp Orzo Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Sailing through weeknight dinners just got easier with this delectable shrimp orzo that promises a burst of flavor in mere 30 minutes.

A single pan stands between you and a restaurant-worthy meal that combines tender shrimp with creamy, perfectly cooked orzo.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that dance on your palate.

The orzo absorbs rich, savory notes while the shrimp remain succulent and delightful.

Quick, effortless cooking meets gourmet taste in this streamlined recipe that demands minimal prep work.

Seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts will find this dish irresistibly satisfying and wonderfully convenient.

Let’s find out this culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Tools for Making Shrimp Orzo in 30 Minutes

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking everything in one pan, ensuring rich flavor development and easy cleanup.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring orzo and scraping pan without scratching surface.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and preparing ingredients with precision.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient quantities and balanced seasoning.
• Plate: Used for temporarily holding cooked shrimp during recipe preparation.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe workspace for ingredient preparation and chopping.

Shrimp Orzo Instructions You Can Follow Fast

• Shrimp Seasoning Blend

Fresh shrimp get dressed with a zesty spice mix featuring smoked paprika and aromatic herbs that wake up every single bite.

• Sizzling Skillet Action

Hot olive oil creates the perfect golden stage for tender shrimp and fragrant garlic to dance and caramelize beautifully.

• Tomato and Pasta Base

Sun-dried tomatoes join uncooked pasta in a skillet, creating a rich foundation that builds incredible flavor layers during cooking.

• Liquid Magic

Chicken stock transforms the skillet contents, gently coaxing pasta into a creamy, tender dreamscape while developing deep, complex tastes.

• Green and Dreamy Finish

Soft spinach and silky artichokes melt into a luxurious cream sauce, welcoming golden shrimp back into the pan for a final warm embrace.

• Flavor Finale

A quick taste test ensures every single forkful delivers maximum deliciousness, with optional seasoning adjustments to suit personal preferences.

Tasty Tips to Improve Shrimp Orzo Flavors

• Swap regular paprika for hot smoked paprika to give your dish an extra kick of heat and depth.
• Replace shrimp with diced chicken breast or chunks of white fish for a different protein experience while keeping the same delicious base recipe.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a lighter, plant-based version that still maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh element that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile and visual appeal.
• Store any remaining shrimp orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and gently reheat with a splash of chicken stock to restore its creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

How to Serve Shrimp Orzo With Style

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve this vibrant shrimp orzo on a large white platter, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Side Symphony: Accompany the dish with a light Greek salad featuring cucumbers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a zesty olive oil vinaigrette to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Bread Basket Brilliance: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toasts on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste.

Shrimp Orzo: Prep Ahead and Save the Rest

• Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover shrimp orzo in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Freeze unmixed components separately for maximum quality. Cooked orzo and shrimp can be stored in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before combining and reheating gently.
• Prep Ahead Wisdom: Chop vegetables and season shrimp in advance to reduce cooking time. Store prepped ingredients in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making weeknight dinner preparation faster and more convenient.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 636 kcal

Servings: 5

Shrimp Orzo One-Pan Meal Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean scent, avoiding any fishy smell for best flavor and quality.

• Orzo: Quick-cooking pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, selecting high-quality semolina variety ensures perfect texture.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid that infuses depth and moisture into the dish, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent base notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity carrier for sautéing ingredients and adding subtle Mediterranean richness.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, warm undertones that complement seafood perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of classic herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean warmth to the recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential minerals that balance and highlight other ingredient flavors.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce that binds ingredients together.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender, slightly tangy vegetable that adds interesting texture and earthy undertones.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, sweet-tart bites that provide intense flavor contrast.
• Spinach: Fresh, nutrient-packed green that wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color.

Creamy Shrimp Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp orzo delivers a quick, satisfying meal packed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Succulent shrimp nestled among pasta create a simple dinner you can savor in less than half an hour.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 grams) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16 or 20 count per pound)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 oz (113 grams) fresh spinach
• 14 oz (397 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (1 can or about 1 cup)
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Season Preparation: Lavishly coat shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Searing Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then swiftly sear seasoned shrimp and minced garlic for 2 minutes per side until they turn opaque, working in batches to ensure proper caramelization.
3. Orzo Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, toast chopped sun-dried tomatoes and uncooked orzo with additional olive oil for 2 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken stock into the skillet, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until achieving al dente texture.
5. Creamy Integration: Fold in fresh spinach leaves, quartered artichoke hearts, and heavy cream, allowing spinach to wilt and cream to blend seamlessly while reintroducing the seared shrimp.
6. Final Refinement: Conduct a taste assessment, adjusting seasonings with salt, paprika, or black pepper to elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile, ensuring a harmonious and delectable one-pan meal.

Notes

• Maximize Shrimp Flavor: Generously season shrimp before cooking to create a robust, deeply flavored base that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect Searing Technique: Cook shrimp in batches to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming, which maintains the ideal texture and prevents rubbery consistency.
• Orzo Toasting Trick: Toasting orzo before adding liquid develops a nutty, rich flavor and helps prevent a mushy final texture.
• Cream Integration Hack: Add cream and spinach at the end to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, ensuring a fresh, silky finish to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 636
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 792 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 205 mg