Description
Creamy, garlicky one-pot shrimp orzo made with lemon, herbs, and a touch of parmesan. This quick and elegant Mediterranean-inspired meal is cozy yet light, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo, broth, cherry tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shrimp.
- Cover and cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parmesan (if using).
- Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.
Add spinach or arugula with the shrimp for extra greens.
Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops if preferred.
Omit parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Use zucchini or bell peppers to boost veggie content.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg