Zesty Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

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.

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

For Protein:
  • 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.
For Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • 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.
For Base and Supporting Elements:
  • 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.

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.

Print
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Zesty Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Zesty Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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