Zesty Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet Recipe for Dinner Magic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this Mediterranean shrimp orzo skillet brings coastal flavors straight to your dinner table.

Tender shrimp dance with perfectly cooked orzo in a vibrant pan bursting with color and zest.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines.

Fragrant herbs and succulent seafood create a symphony of tastes that transport you instantly.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted this sophisticated.

The one-pan wonder simplifies cooking while delivering maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Get ready to savor a restaurant-quality meal without stepping out of your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet – Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Fresh, tail-off jumbo shrimp deliver succulent protein with a delicate sweet flavor, choosing wild-caught ensures superior taste and texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds rich, smoky depth and beautiful reddish color to the dish, select high-quality Spanish varieties for authentic flavor.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and earthy undertones, look for blends without additional salt for balanced seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Creates herbaceous complexity with dried Mediterranean herbs, opt for fragrant blends without preservatives.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides subtle spicy kick and vibrant color, adjust quantity based on heat preference.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for more nuanced taste.

• Orzo: Tiny rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose high-quality semolina wheat varieties for best texture.
• Chicken Stock: Creates rich, savory liquid base for cooking orzo, select low-sodium versions for controlled seasoning.
• Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and fresh sweetness, use ripe cherry or roma tomatoes for maximum flavor.
• Olives: Adds briny Mediterranean character, kalamata olives provide intense, authentic taste.
• Feta Cheese: Delivers tangy, creamy element with traditional Greek profile, select authentic Greek versions for genuine experience.

• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy freshness that elevates entire dish, use freshly squeezed for optimal flavor.

Equipment for Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and preparing orzo dish.
• Large bowl: Perfect for seasoning shrimp with spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Knife: Useful for chopping basil or preparing garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.

How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Step-by-Step

• Spice Preparation

Blend aromatic spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and Italian herbs to create a flavor explosion for succulent shrimp.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Quickly sear marinated shrimp in a hot skillet until they turn a gorgeous pink, releasing tantalizing ocean aromas.

• Orzo Magic

Simmer orzo in rich broth, transforming the tiny pasta into a creamy base bursting with Mediterranean charm.

• Flavor Fusion

Introduce juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbly feta cheese, letting each ingredient dance together in the skillet.

• Zesty Finish

Drizzle with bright lemon juice and a splash of extra virgin olive oil, then crown the dish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

• Serving Moment

Nestle perfectly cooked shrimp atop the orzo, garnish with additional feta, and bring a taste of coastal Greece directly to the table.

Shrimp Orzo Skillet – Tips & Taste Upgrades

• Adjust red pepper flakes and chili powder to dial heat up or down, matching your personal spice tolerance for a personalized Mediterranean experience.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, white fish, or plant-based protein like tofu for versatile meal options that keep the Mediterranean flavor profile intact.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill to introduce subtle complexity and brighten the overall dish's aromatic profile.
• Prepare orzo and shrimp components ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for easy 15-minute weeknight assembly and minimal cleanup.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice, ensuring everyone can enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired skillet meal.

Best Ways to Serve Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the skillet for a burst of color and aromatic freshness that elevates the Mediterranean flavors.
• Pair with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and a simple olive oil vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory shrimp and orzo.
• Add Crusty Bread: Include warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the Mediterranean dining experience with a satisfying texture contrast.
• Wine Companion: Match the dish with a chilled white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood and bright lemony notes of the skillet.

Keeping Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Fresh

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline cooking process, reducing total meal preparation time to just 20 minutes.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover Mediterranean shrimp orzo in airtight containers for up to 3 days, keeping seafood and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Reheat Carefully: Gently warm refrigerated dish in skillet with splash of chicken stock to prevent drying, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore original flavors.
• Freeze Smart: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Consume within 2 months for best taste and quality, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Vibrant Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean shrimp orzo skillet celebrates coastal flavors with zesty herbs and perfectly seared seafood. Ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a quick dinner packed with Mediterranean charm that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, about 15–20 per pound)
• 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1.5 cups (270 g) orzo
• 3 cups (720 mL) chicken or vegetable stock
• 8 oz (226 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.33 cup (80 mL) sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
• 0.33 cup (45 g) kalamata olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup (35 g) green olives, sliced
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.25 tsp salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Marination Preparation: Blend shrimp with smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt, ensuring comprehensive spice coverage.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat skillet over medium flame, drizzle olive oil, and cook shrimp until pink and golden, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then set aside.
3. Orzo Foundation: Add orzo and stock to identical skillet, simmering and stirring periodically until grains become tender and liquid absorbs, roughly 10 minutes.
4. Flavor Layering: Introduce diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and most of the feta cheese, creating a robust Mediterranean-inspired base with complex flavor profiles.
5. Final Composition: Splash fresh lemon juice, drizzle additional olive oil, sprinkle remaining seasoning, and gently reintegrate seared shrimp into orzo mixture.
6. Presentation: Transfer to serving dish, crown with reserved feta crumbles and freshly torn basil leaves, delivering a visually stunning and aromatic culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Shrimp Seasoning: Marinate shrimp at least 15 minutes before cooking to allow spices to deeply penetrate and enhance flavor profile.
• Prevent Overcooking Seafood: Watch shrimp closely during cooking; they turn opaque and curl when perfectly done, becoming rubbery if cooked too long.
• Master Orzo Texture: Stir orzo frequently and monitor liquid absorption to achieve creamy, al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
• Elevate Mediterranean Flavors: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs to amplify the authentic Mediterranean taste and aroma of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg