Zesty Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet Recipe for Weeknights

Mediterranean shrimp orzo skillet brings vibrant coastal flavors to your dinner table with its sun-kissed ingredients and bold seasoning profile.

Delicate seafood mingles beautifully with tender pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Warm Mediterranean spices dance through each carefully crafted bite, redefineing simple components into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Robust herbs and zesty aromatics elevate this one-pan wonder beyond standard meal preparation techniques.

Fresh ingredients shine with minimal cooking effort, making this dish perfect for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor infusion and streamlined cleanup, appealing to those who appreciate efficiency without compromising taste.

Quick, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe promises a delightful journey through Mediterranean coastal cuisine.

Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet That Tastes Like a Getaway

• Savor Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Magic: This recipe bursts with bold, tangy flavors from smoked paprika, chili powder, and fresh lemon juice that dance together in a single skillet.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Warrior: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in just 20 minutes with minimal dishes and maximum taste, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality dinner.
• Texture Explosion in Every Bite: Experience a delightful contrast of tender, spicy shrimp against creamy orzo, crunchy olives, and crumbly feta cheese that keeps your taste buds excited.
• One-Pan Wonder Meal: Minimize kitchen cleanup while maximizing flavor by cooking everything in a single skillet, making this Mediterranean-inspired dish both delicious and convenient.

Must-Have Ingredients for Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that absorbs spices beautifully, best when fresh or properly thawed.

• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt: Robust spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the shrimp.

• Orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and provides a creamy, satisfying base for the dish.

• Stock: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the orzo.

• Tomatoes, Olives, Basil: Fresh ingredients that bring bright Mediterranean flavors and color to the dish.
• Lemon: Adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that complements the seafood.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a classic Greek touch to the skillet.

• Olive Oil: Authentic Mediterranean cooking oil that adds richness and helps with cooking.

Cooking Instructions for a Perfect Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt

Heat skillet on medium, add olive oil. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Mediterranean Orzo

• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced olives
• Crumbled feta cheese (reserve some for topping)

• Fresh lemon juice
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Pinch of paprika
• Additional seasoning to taste

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently warming through. Transfer to serving dishes. Sprinkle reserved feta cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet Tips for Great Results

• Spice Smartly: Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance, tasting as you go for perfect flavor balance.
• Sear Perfectly: Ensure skillet is hot before adding shrimp and avoid overcrowding to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Liquid Logic: Use low-sodium stock to control salt levels, allowing you to season more precisely throughout cooking.
• Cheese Technique: Crumble feta just before serving to maintain its fresh texture and prevent excessive melting.
• Fresh Finish: Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.

How to Store and Reheat Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the Mediterranean shrimp orzo will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Carefully transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen leftovers maintain quality for up to one month. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh herbs or feta cheese, as their texture changes dramatically.
• Reheating: Gently warm the orzo in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Sprinkle fresh basil on top after reheating to restore the bright, fresh flavor.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

• Zest Up with Crisp White Wine: Pair this Mediterranean shrimp orzo with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Greek Assyrtiko to complement the bright lemon and herb flavors, cutting through the rich feta and highlighting the seafood's delicate texture.
• Crush with Fresh Bread: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the delicious tomato and olive juices, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts the tender shrimp and creamy orzo.
• Boost with Mediterranean Salad: Add a simple Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to bring fresh, crisp elements that balance the warm, robust skillet dish and provide additional vegetable nutrition.
• Cool Down with Tzatziki: Offer a side of cool, tangy tzatziki sauce to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy shrimp and add a creamy element that ties the entire Mediterranean-inspired meal together.

Fun Ways to Change Up Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chili powder with harissa paste for an intense North African kick. Swap feta for crumbled goat cheese to enhance the tangy flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Comfort: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese. Add zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant green color.
• Summer Seafood Mediterranean: Use a mix of shrimp and scallops for varied protein textures. Include fresh corn kernels and cherry tomatoes for a lighter, seasonal approach. Garnish with fresh dill instead of basil for a different herbal note.
• Quick Mediterranean Bowl: Transform the skillet recipe into a cold grain salad by chilling orzo after cooking. Mix in cucumber, fresh mint, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a refreshing summer meal.

Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp orzo skillet brings coastal Greek flavors to your dinner table. Succulent shrimp nestled with herbed orzo creates a quick, flavorful one-pan meal you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, about 15–20 per pound)
• 6 oz (170 grams) feta cheese, crumbled

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables, Herbs, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (270 grams) orzo
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken or vegetable stock
• 8 oz (226 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
• 0.33 cup (45 grams) kalamata olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup (35 grams) green olives, sliced
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinate shrimp with a robust blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook the shrimp for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until they transform into a vibrant pink color and develop a light golden exterior, indicating perfect doneness.
4. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and preserving their delicate texture.
5. In the same skillet, introduce orzo and vegetable or chicken stock, allowing the grains to simmer gently and absorb the liquid’s flavor.
6. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
7. Incorporate diced tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, and most of the crumbled feta cheese, creating a rich Mediterranean-inspired base.
8. Enhance the dish with fresh lemon juice, an additional drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and your preferred seasoning blend.
9. Gently return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, warming them through and allowing them to meld with the orzo mixture.
10. Plate the skillet, garnishing with reserved feta cheese crumbles and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Prep shrimp with a powerful blend of spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes for bold Mediterranean flavors that wake up your taste buds.
• One-pan magic transforms this dish into a quick weeknight meal, cutting down on dishes and cooking time in less than 20 minutes.
• Fresh ingredients elevate the orzo, with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta creating a vibrant, restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and chili powder to match your spice tolerance without losing the dish’s authentic character.
• Leftover shrimp and orzo stay delicious when stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, making excellent next-day lunch options.
• Pro tip: Use fresh basil and high-quality olive oil as final touches to boost the Mediterranean authenticity and brighten overall flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg