Zesty Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Sizzling seafood meets Mediterranean comfort in this mouthwatering Mexican-spiced shrimp and orzo skillet that’ll transport your taste buds to a culinary paradise.

Succulent shrimp dance with perfectly cooked orzo, creating a symphony of bold and vibrant flavors.

Zesty spices infuse every bite with warmth and complexity, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and aromas that will leave you craving more.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses without hours of preparation.

This skillet sensation is about to become your new go-to dinner that promises to delight and satisfy.

Tools for Cooking Shrimp and Orzo Together

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing and cooking the entire dish in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring orzo and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing onions, cilantro, lime, and avocado.
• Measuring Spoons: Allows precise measurement of spices and seasonings.

How to Make This Spicy Skillet Meal

• Kitchen Prep Workspace

Clear your cooking area and gather all needed tools like a large skillet, wooden spoon, and sharp knife for smooth recipe execution.

• Aromatic Foundation

Soften chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, creating a flavor base that will enhance the entire dish’s depth and richness.

• Grain and Liquid Integration

Add orzo to the onion mixture, then pour in diced tomatoes, broth, and a splash of milk. Incorporate Mexican-inspired spices like cumin and chili powder for a vibrant taste profile.

• Shrimp Seasoning

Coat fresh shrimp with a zesty spice blend featuring paprika, oregano, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is generously covered with bold flavors.

• Skillet Assembly

Gently place seasoned shrimp atop the simmering orzo, allowing them to nestle into the creamy grain mixture without stirring.

• Final Cooking Stage

Cover the skillet and let shrimp steam until they turn a beautiful pink color and the orzo reaches perfect tenderness.

• Gorgeous Presentation

Finish the dish with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro leaves, juicy lime wedges, and creamy avocado slices for a stunning, restaurant-quality meal.

Tips for Balanced Spice in This Shrimp Skillet

• Experiment with different chili powders like ancho, chipotle, or guajillo to create unique flavor profiles that match your heat tolerance.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or zucchini during the orzo cooking process for extra nutrition and colorful texture.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile one-pan meal that suits various dietary preferences.
• Transform remaining skillet contents into a cold pasta salad by chilling and adding fresh herbs, a splash of olive oil, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing next-day lunch.

Serving Mexican Shrimp and Orzo for a Crowd

• Fiesta Night Plating: Create a vibrant presentation by serving the skillet on a colorful ceramic plate, highlighting the rich colors of the shrimp, tomatoes, and green cilantro.
• Family-Style Gathering: Place the entire skillet in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion and enjoy the communal dining experience with warm tortillas on the side.
• Fresh Side Companions: Pair the dish with a crisp Mexican-inspired salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the creamy orzo and spiced shrimp.
• Quick Beverage Match: Complement the meal with a refreshing margarita or ice-cold Mexican beer to enhance the bold flavors and provide a cooling contrast to the spicy seafood dish.

Keeping This One-Pan Meal Fresh and Ready

• Quick Batch Prep: Make a double batch and separate portions for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Store individual servings in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate shrimp and orzo components to maintain optimal texture when reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to revive moisture and prevent orzo from becoming dry. Stir carefully to redistribute heat evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze orzo mixture separately from shrimp for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet

• Shrimp: Wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp deliver a sweet, tender texture and pair perfectly with Mexican flavors; look for firm, translucent pieces without any strong fishy smell.
• Queso Fresco: Crumbly Mexican cheese adds creamy tang and authentic regional character; choose fresh, soft varieties with mild, milky taste.

• Onion: Provides sweet, foundational base note that builds depth in the dish; select firm, smooth yellow onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone that amplifies Mexican seasoning; choose plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Mexican Seasoning Blend: Delivers complex, zesty profile with hints of chili, cumin, and paprika; select high-quality blends without excessive salt.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta creates creamy, risotto-like texture; choose pasta with smooth, uniform appearance.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation that enhances overall dish complexity; opt for low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
• Whole Milk: Contributes silky richness and helps create smooth sauce; select fresh, high-quality milk.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and moisture to the skillet; choose fire-roasted varieties for deeper flavor.
• Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that brings vibrant, citrusy finish; select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lime: Provides sharp, tangy accent that brightens entire dish; choose firm, heavy limes with smooth skin.

Zesty Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-spiced shrimp and orzo skillet combines zesty seafood with hearty pasta in one pan. Spices from Mexico dance with tender shrimp, creating a quick meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (26 to 30 per pound), thawed if frozen
• 1 ½ cups (270 g) dried orzo pasta
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 oz (57 g) queso fresco cheese, crumbled (½ cup)
• 2 tsp Mexican seasoning blend
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges and avocado slices, for serving

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Caramelize onions in a large skillet until translucent, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
2. Toast Orzo: Introduce minced garlic and raw orzo, stirring to develop a rich, nutty essence and prevent sticking.
3. Build Liquid Foundation: Combine diced tomatoes, chicken broth, whole milk, and Mexican-inspired spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika) into the skillet, creating a vibrant cooking medium.
4. Create Creamy Base: Elevate heat to generate a rapid simmer, continuously stirring to transform orzo into a luxurious, tender mixture with reduced liquid consistency.
5. Season Shrimp: Coat shrimp with a dynamic spice blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
6. Integrate Seafood: Gently embed seasoned shrimp into the partially cooked orzo, allowing them to settle into the creamy landscape.
7. Finish Cooking: Sprinkle queso fresco over the shrimp, cover the skillet, and steam until shrimp transform to a complete pink hue, approximately 5-7 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve: Adorn with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and delicate avocado slices, then present the skillet immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Continuously stir orzo during toasting to avoid clumping and ensure even, nutty flavor development.
• Spice Balance: Blend Mexican spices carefully to create a harmonious, robust flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
• Shrimp Cooking Technique: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and steam gently to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Garnish Impact: Add fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado just before serving to enhance brightness and provide contrasting textures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg