Name: Vibrant Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marination Preparation: Blend shrimp with smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt, ensuring comprehensive spice coverage.
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.
Orzo Foundation: Add orzo and stock to identical skillet, simmering and stirring periodically until grains become tender and liquid absorbs, roughly 10 minutes.
Flavor Layering: Introduce diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and most of the feta cheese, creating a robust Mediterranean-inspired base with complex flavor profiles.
Final Composition: Splash fresh lemon juice, drizzle additional olive oil, sprinkle remaining seasoning, and gently reintegrate seared shrimp into orzo mixture.
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