Mediterranean Shrimp and Orzo
This Mediterranean Shrimp and Orzo is a vibrant skillet dinner recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quickly this flavorful meal comes together, packed with fresh ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) medium or large shrimp.
- Orzo Pasta: Any small pasta shape can work, but orzo cooks quickly.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth is a good alternative.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra flavor.
- Spinach: Kale or other leafy greens can be used.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or crumbled cotija offer a similar tang.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools: Large skillet with a lid
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the Orzo and Add Liquids
Add the orzo to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted. Pour in the vegetable broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Orzo
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be nearly tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Nestle the shrimp into the orzo mixture. Cover again and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
5. Stir in Spinach and Finish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the hot orzo. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and optional fresh parsley before serving this delicious skillet dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onion for more vegetables.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Top with Kalamata olives for an extra Mediterranean touch.
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Mediterranean Shrimp and Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you prepare this as a make-ahead skillet dinner recipe? You can prep the vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh for optimal texture.
- What if you don’t have orzo? You can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or risoni, adjusting cooking times as needed for your skillet dinner.
- Can you add other proteins? Cooked chicken or chickpeas would also work well in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- How do you prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery? Add the shrimp towards the end of the cooking process and cook just until pink and opaque.
- Is this dish suitable for meal prepping? It’s a good option for meal prepping, but note that the orzo may absorb more liquid over time.
- Can you make this dish dairy-free? Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a delicious skillet dinner.
