Skillet Shrimp and Orzo Recipe

Serving: 4-6 people

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Orzo Base:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Finishing Touches:
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Begin by preparing your shrimp properly, which ensures they cook evenly and develop maximum flavor during the quick searing process. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels.

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, making sure every piece is well coated with the aromatic seasonings.

Let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to penetrate and develop for more flavorful results.

Heat a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium-high heat. The pan should be large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably without overcrowding.

Searing the Perfect Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding which would cause steaming instead of searing.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color, but don’t cook them completely through as they’ll finish cooking later.

Remove the seared shrimp to a plate and set aside, leaving any flavorful bits in the pan to build the base for your orzo cooking liquid.

The shrimp should be just barely cooked through at this point, as they’ll continue cooking when added back to the finished dish.

Building the Orzo Foundation

In the same skillet with the delicious shrimp fond, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning and scraping up any flavorful bits from the shrimp.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn in the hot pan.

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the pasta is lightly toasted and fragrant, which adds depth and helps prevent mushy results.

Creating the Mediterranean Base

Pour in the white wine if using, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pan and letting it simmer for 1-2 minutes until mostly absorbed.

Add the chicken or vegetable broth, drained diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

The orzo should be creamy and al dente, with enough remaining liquid to keep it saucy but not soupy.

Final Assembly and Flavors

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices, nestling them into the orzo mixture and cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through and just cooked.

Stir in the halved kalamata olives, which add briny Mediterranean flavor and beautiful color contrast to the dish.

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest, which brighten all the flavors and add fresh Mediterranean character.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Serving and Presentation

Serve immediately while hot, spooning generous portions into bowls and topping each serving with crumbled feta cheese that adds creamy richness and tangy flavor.

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with additional fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation that showcases the beautiful colors and textures.

Provide lemon wedges on the side for those who want extra brightness and acidity to complement the rich, flavorful dish.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Shrimp and Orzo

Don’t overcook the shrimp initially, as they’ll finish cooking when returned to the hot orzo, preventing tough, rubbery texture.

Use large shrimp (21-25 count) for the best texture and visual appeal, as smaller shrimp can become overcooked and lost in the pasta.

Toast the orzo briefly before adding liquid, as this develops nutty flavor and helps maintain better texture during cooking.

Control the liquid by monitoring the absorption rate and adding more broth if needed to prevent the orzo from becoming dry or sticking.

Choose quality ingredients especially the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta, as these provide the distinctive Mediterranean flavors.

Don’t skip the wine if possible, as it adds depth and complexity that really elevates the overall flavor profile.

Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cooked elements.

Use a large enough pan to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding that can result in uneven temperatures and textures.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep all ingredients in advance and cook quickly when ready to serve for easy weeknight meals.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 5 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 985mg
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 285mg
• Iron: 3.2mg
• Vitamin C: 25mg
• Selenium: 42mcg

This nutritious one-pan meal provides excellent high-quality protein from the shrimp, which is naturally low in calories and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. The orzo provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Shrimp is an excellent source of selenium, which supports immune function, and the Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and tomatoes provide healthy fats and lycopene. This balanced dish offers substantial nutrition in a satisfying, flavorful package that makes healthy eating enjoyable and delicious.