Let’s be real—some days you just want a meal that’s quick, delicious, and requires minimal cleanup. That’s why I absolutely love this shrimp orzo a 30 minute one pan delight! It’s one of those recipes that’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I’m juggling everything from work to family. In just 30 minutes, you can have a stunning dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. The best part? You only need one pan! I love watching the shrimp turn a lovely pink while the orzo cooks up all creamy and satisfying. Trust me, when you whip this up, you’ll be a kitchen hero in no time! Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your family’s tastes. Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be ready to whip up your shrimp orzo in no time!
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These fresh ingredients create a delicious symphony of flavors that you’ll absolutely love. Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start cooking—this will keep things flowing smoothly in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Shrimp Orzo a 30 Minute One Pan Delight
Now, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a stunning meal on the table in no time!
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This shouldn’t take long—just about a minute or so. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke, which means it’s ready for the next step!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute. Be careful here—garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in the blink of an eye. You want it to be golden and aromatic, not brown and bitter!
Step 3: Cook Shrimp
Now it’s time to add in your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink color and curl up slightly. Trust me; this is one of the most satisfying sights!
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the 1 cup of orzo, 2 cups of vegetable broth, halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything a good stir to combine—this is where all those delicious flavors start to meld together!
Step 5: Simmer Until Cooked
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. It should be creamy and oh-so-delicious!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your shrimp orzo with fresh parsley. I love to serve this dish warm, straight from the pan—it looks inviting and tastes amazing! You can even add a squeeze of lemon for a pop of freshness. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan convenience means less cleanup—yay!
- Flavor-packed with juicy shrimp and fresh tomatoes.
- Comforting and creamy orzo that’s satisfying for everyone.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party.
This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, delivering deliciousness with every bite! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one-pan wonder!
Tips for Success
To take your shrimp orzo to the next level, I’ve got a few pro tips that’ll make all the difference! First off, always use the freshest shrimp you can find; it really elevates the overall flavor of the dish. If you can, buy them from a local fish market or the seafood counter at your grocery store. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to match your taste buds—if you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can work wonders! And remember, stirring the orzo occasionally during the simmering process is key to avoiding any sticking. Lastly, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a delightful brightness that truly makes the dish shine. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp orzo is delicious enough to stand alone, but if you want to elevate your meal even further, consider pairing it with a light side salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully! You could also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up all that creamy goodness—yum! For beverages, a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works wonders with the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon will do the trick. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a win!), storing your shrimp orzo is super easy. Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. It should only take about 5-7 minutes to warm through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, but be sure to cover it to prevent splatters, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. The key is to avoid overcooking the shrimp again, so keep an eye on it! Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to nutritional information, keep in mind that it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your shrimp orzo. While I won’t provide precise numbers, a typical serving usually has around 350 calories, 8 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 50 grams of carbohydrates. These values can change depending on factors like the type of shrimp, broth, or any additional ingredients you decide to add. So, always feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs while keeping an eye on those nutrition labels. Enjoy your meal, knowing it’s not just delicious, but can fit into a balanced diet too!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken will take a bit longer to cook through, while tofu can be added at the same time as the shrimp would be!
What if I don’t have orzo?
No worries! If orzo isn’t available, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini, fusilli, or even rice if you’re in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require varying amounts of liquid and time to cook.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta option. There are many great alternatives out there that will work beautifully in this recipe. Be sure to check the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ from regular pasta.
How can I add more veggies to my shrimp orzo?
Great question! You can toss in any veggies you like—spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas work wonderfully. Just add them in with the shrimp so they can cook through and blend with those tasty flavors!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Shrimp orzo is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions in airtight containers. It reheats well, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go for busy days. Just remember to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it nice and creamy!
Shrimp Orzo: A 30 Minute One Pan Delight to Savor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy shrimp orzo dish prepared in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in orzo, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Substitute with chicken or vegetable if preferred.
- Adjust spices to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp orzo, one pan meal, quick dinner