Shrimp Orzo

Shrimp Orzo is the perfect dish if you're looking for a delicious one-pan meal that's perfect for cool weather or for everyday fare. This simple weeknight meal is packed with succulent shrimp, and tons of flavor, and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Plus, it's an easy one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it a favorite among busy cooks. In this post, we'll share our favorite recipe for shrimp orzo, along with tips for substitutions, variations, and how to serve it.

Ingredients

Shrimp and orzo are the base of this dish. Spinach adds a bit of extra color and texture while onion, bell peppers( red, orange, and yellow), and crushed garlic are mainly used to add flavor to this dish. White wine and vegetable broth help deepen the flavors while also providing a way for the orzo to cook. Fresh parsley, fresh oregano, and a variety of spices elevate the flavor profile of the dish.

Steps

1. The first thing to do as a best practice with any recipe is to complete the prep work to ensure smooth cooking. Dice all of the bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp, and leave the tails on. Chop all of the fresh herbs. Chop spinach if desired.
2. In a large saucepan, saute onions and bell pepper with olive oil on medium heat. Once the vegetables have softened, add the vegetable broth, wine, orzo, and all spices; stir to combine before turning the heat to low. Cover and cook on low until the liquid has reduced significantly and the orzo has become more tender.
3. Add the shrimp and cook uncovered until the orzo is finished cooking and the shrimp has cooked for about 5 minutes.

Key equipment needed

• Large pan or Dutch oven with a lid
• Sharp knife-to dice vegetables and herbs
• Paring knife- to devein shrimp
• Small bowls- to store chopped vegetables and measured spices

How to serve Shrimp Orzo

Shrimp orzo is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some of our favorite serving ideas:

Serve it as a main dish: Top a large bowl of shrimp orzo with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped Italian parsley. Add a side of crusty bread for dipping and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.
Use it as a side dish: Shrimp orzo pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside your favorite veggies, such as roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach.
Meal prep: Make a large pot of shrimp orzo and divide it into airtight containers for easy meal prep. This makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week.

Substitutions

This is a flexible recipe that allows for substitutions based on what you have on hand. Here are some substitutions you can make:

Orzo pasta: You can substitute orzo with any type of small pasta, that is similar in size but rice is a great alternative. Basmati rice would work well but keep in mind that it cooks quickly so be sure to keep an extra close eye on your food when substituting any ingredient.
Shrimp: Use any type of raw shrimp you prefer, including sweet shrimp or larger-sized shrimp.
Broth: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or use a combination of both.
Cheese: Use feta cheese instead of parmesan cheese for a tangy twist.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice can be replaced with bottled lemon juice.

Variations

Once you've mastered the basic shrimp orzo recipe, try these variations to switch things up:

Creamy Orzo: Add 2 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup of heavy cream to the recipe to make it extra creamy.
Garlicky Shrimp Orzo: Add 3 cloves of fresh garlic to the pan when cooking the shrimp for a garlicky twist.
Lemon and Cherry Tomato Orzo: Add halved cherry tomatoes and lemon zest to the recipe for a burst of fresh flavors.
Spicy Shrimp Orzo: Add red pepper flakes and black pepper to the shrimp for a spicy kick.

What to Eat with Shrimp Orzo

Shrimp orzo is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas:

Roasted vegetables: Roast your favorite veggies, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, in the oven for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Steamed asparagus: Lightly steam asparagus and toss with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing side.
Mixed greens salad: Pair shrimp orzo with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and fresh lemon juice for a complete meal.

How to store Shrimp orzo

Once it has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish can also be a make-ahead meal to be frozen and defrosted at a later time. Shrimp orzo will remain fresh in the freezer when stored properly for up to two weeks. Store in a freezer-safe and frostbite-proof container.

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