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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
- 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.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and preserving their delicate texture.
- In the same skillet, introduce orzo and vegetable or chicken stock, allowing the grains to simmer gently and absorb the liquid’s flavor.
- Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, and most of the crumbled feta cheese, creating a rich Mediterranean-inspired base.
- Enhance the dish with fresh lemon juice, an additional drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and your preferred seasoning blend.
- Gently return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the skillet, warming them through and allowing them to meld with the orzo mixture.
- 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