Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed about a comforting, restaurant-worthy dinner landing on your table in less than half an hour, the Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) is about to make those dreams come true. This dish celebrates plump, savory shrimp nestled in a luscious, creamy orzo studded with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Every bite boasts layers of flavor and color, all achieved with smart shortcuts and a single pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you crave a special meal without special-occasion effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of staple ingredients, each with its own starring role, can transform into an extraordinary dinner. Here’s what you’ll need for this Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal): every item is chosen to add something special, from flavor-packed veggies to the creamy sauce that ties it all together.
- Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp (about 16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Orzo: This rice-shaped Italian pasta cooks fast and soaks up all the creamy sauce and savory flavors.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Opt for the kind packed in oil—drain them, but save a spoonful of oil for extra flavor when searing the shrimp.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilts beautifully into the hot pasta, adding color and nutrients—thawed, well-drained frozen spinach also works in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the shrimp and starting your flavor base—use the reserved sun-dried tomato oil for an extra layer of goodness.
- Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes (in water or olive oil) bring tanginess and texture—just drain and roughly chop them.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce; you can sub half-and-half if you want a lighter touch.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the orzo—vegetable or beef broth (or even plain water) work too if you’re out of chicken broth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper are all you need for bold, balanced seasoning.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them generously with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple step infuses every bite with smoky, herby notes that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and veggies to come. Don’t be shy—seasoning is what keeps the shrimp from fading into the background.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil (or that gorgeous oil from your sun-dried tomatoes) in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp and a bit of minced garlic, giving them about 2 minutes per side—just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Make sure the shrimp have space to sizzle instead of steam (work in batches if needed). Then, pop them onto a plate; they’ll finish cooking later.
Step 3: Start the Orzo and Tomatoes
With the skillet still hot and flavorful from the shrimp, toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, your orzo, and another swirl of olive oil. Stir everything for about 2 minutes as the orzo toasts, drinking in all the lingering flavors. This is your opportunity to build those savory layers that make the Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) so irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Add chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll see the orzo plump up and start smelling wonderfully nutty and rich, just begging for the next round of flavors.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Cream
Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, a few handfuls of fresh spinach, and a splash of heavy cream. Everything melds together as the spinach wilts and the sauce turns decadent and creamy. Keep things moving in the pan until the veggies soften and the sauce thickens just slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return your perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the saucy orzo. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce coats every noodle and veggie. Taste for seasoning, then get ready to dig into your Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) masterpiece!
How to Serve Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal)
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil, a twist of lemon, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan makes the Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) feel extra special. You could also drizzle with a hint more olive oil or scatter some extra red pepper flakes for a little kick. Garnishes are where you can let your personality shine!
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder is truly a meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a hungry crowd, pair it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or even roasted asparagus on the side will lighten things up and bring balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual nights, serve right from the skillet—family-style meals always spark conversation! Hosting or want to impress? Spoon the orzo onto shallow pasta bowls for an elegant, bistro-style look, or pile individual portions into ramekins for a fun, portable dinner party twist. No matter how you dish it up, the colors and textures do all the talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner just as delicious—if not more so—than the night before.
Freezing
Rich, creamy pastas like this can be finicky in the freezer—the orzo and veggies may soften a bit, and the cream sauce can separate. That said, if you need to freeze it, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring back the silkiness, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of extra broth, cream, or even water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently and don’t overcook the shrimp—just warm enough to make everything creamy and irresistible again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and searing. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
Is it possible to make Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) dairy-free?
Yes—you can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream. The result will be a little different, but still satisfyingly creamy and delicious!
What if I can’t find orzo pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti can step in, though cooking times may vary a bit. Long-grain rice could work too, keeping in mind it takes longer to cook.
Can I add more vegetables?
Go for it! Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) is endlessly flexible—peas, zucchini, asparagus, or roasted red peppers all taste fantastic. Just add crisp veggies with the spinach step and heartier ones a bit earlier to ensure they’re tender.
What’s the best way to ensure the shrimp stay tender?
Don’t overcook! Searing the shrimp quickly first, then gently finishing them in the sauce, guarantees juicy, tender results every time. Keep a close eye, as shrimp turn rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening, Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) is ready to become your new weeknight favorite. Give it a try—you may just find yourself coming back to this easy, flavor-packed dinner over and over again!
Print
Shrimp Orzo (30-Minute, One-Pan Meal) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp Orzo recipe is a delightful 30-minute, one-pan meal that combines succulent shrimp with creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes. The dish is bursting with flavors from garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, all brought together in a luscious cream sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined),
Orzo:
1 cup by Delallo brand, Number 65 cut,
Sun-dried tomatoes:
packed in oil,
Fresh spinach:
fresh or thawed frozen,
Olive oil:
for searing,
Artichokes hearts:
canned in oil and water,
Heavy cream:
for cream sauce,
Chicken broth:
2 cups,
Garlic:
minced,
Seasonings:
smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear with olive oil and garlic.
- Cook orzo: In the same skillet, cook orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil. Add chicken broth and cook until tender.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, artichokes, and heavy cream until spinach wilts.
- Assemble: Return shrimp to skillet, heat through until shrimp is cooked and sauce is reheated.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are not overcrowded while searing.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Feel free to customize with additional veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
Keywords: Shrimp Orzo, One-Pan Meal, Easy, Quick, Creamy, Sun-dried Tomatoes
