• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Quick Start Guide
  • All Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Entrees
    • Snacks
    • Appetizers
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Dizzy Busy and Hungry!
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • SHOP
  • QUICK START
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • SHOP
    • QUICK START
    • ABOUT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    One Skillet Shrimp with Couscous

    Published: Sep 19, 2023 Modified: Sep 19, 2023 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with more black bowls on the side and a blue background.
    Side shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with more black bowls on the side and a blue background.
    Overhead shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with a blue background and more black bowls on the side.

    Make this One Skillet Shrimp with Couscous for a delicious and flavorful dish that’s packed with lean protein and nutritious veggies!

    A medley of additional vegetables bring fresh and healthy flavors to this seafood dish, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. As filling as it is tasty, this can be made in one dish in just 30 minutes!

    Overhead shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with a blue background and more black bowls on the side.
    You will love how quick and easy it is to make this filling and flavorful shrimp couscous recipe!
    Jump to:
    • 💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧂 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • ❔ FAQs
    • 💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
    • 💡 Substitutions and Variations
    • 🔊 What readers are saying...
    • 🥫 Storage and Reheating
    • 🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
    • ✔️ More Shrimp Recipes You'll Love
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe

    With all of the nutrition you need for a complete meal, this one skillet shrimp and couscous is a fantastic weeknight dinner! All made in the same dish in just 30 minutes, you'll love how easy it is to prepare this shrimp couscous recipe.

    Filling couscous comes together with the lean protein of shrimp and nutrition from mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers. With everything included, you won't even have to make a side dish!

    Similar to this Shrimp Curry with Broccoli and Rice, this is a quick and healthy dinner that the whole family will love.

    🧂 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients - shrimp, couscous, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, peas, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    With only a few simple ingredients, you will love this recipe for shrimp and couscous!
    • onion - white or yellow onion works great to add a slight bite to the flavor palette.
    • bell pepper - I like to use red bell pepper for a pop of color, but any color bell pepper will work.
    • chicken broth - vegetable broth can be substituted, but you may need to add more flavor in that case.
    • salt and pepper
    • cumin - provides a warm flavor and a hint of nuttiness.
    • shrimp - buy your shrimp peeled and de-veined for super easy prep.
    • sweet peas
    • mushrooms - for another shortcut, look for pre-sliced mushrooms. White button mushrooms are what I tend to go for.
    • couscous - this North African ingredient can be substituted for rice or quinoa if desired.

    🔪 Instructions

    Four panel grid of process shots 1-4 - chopping veggies, sautéing, and adding chicken broth in a large pot.
    With only fifteen minutes of prep work, this shrimp couscous recipe is ready in no time!
    1. Finely chop the onion.
    2. Do the same to the bell pepper.
    3. Add the chopped onion and pepper to a skillet and cook until softened.
    4. Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
    Four panel grid of prices shots 5-8 - adding shrimp, peas and mushrooms, and couscous, and allowing to cook.
    This shrimp and couscous recipe is made in one pot for a quick and filling meal!
    1. Add the shrimp and simmer until they're just about cooked.
    2. Stir in peas and mushrooms and cook another minute or so.
    3. Add the couscous.
    4. Remove from heat and cover, then allow the couscous to sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

    ❔ FAQs

    Is couscous a grain or a pasta?

    Though it's often classified as a grain similar to rice, couscous is technically a pasta made from semolina flour. In cooking it often functions similarly to a grain as a base for other ingredients. Grocery stores differ in where they keep it, so if you can't find it with the pasta check near the rice (and vice versa).

    How do you add flavor to couscous?

    There are many ways to add some flavor to couscous. Season it with your favorite spices and herbs, add a protein or veggies, or other ingredients like nuts or even dried fruits.

    Is couscous healthy?

    When paired with other ingredients like nutrient-rich veggies, couscous is a great source of nutrition. It's rich in fiber and can help you feel fuller for longer.

    Side shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with more black bowls on the side and a blue background.
    You will love how simple it is to make this 30 minute shrimp couscous recipe!

    By the way, did you happen to notice the beautiful wooden cutting board in the process photos and the finished photos? That cutting board is from Forest Decor, a U.S. based company that makes exclusive, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted olive wood products from sustainably harvested, naturally food-safe Tunisian Chemlali olive trees, which are known for their exceptional quality and exquisite grain patterns.

    Every item they sell—from their olive wood cutting boards to coasters, wooden gift items, olive wood kitchenware, and more—is hand carved by the Forest Decor team of talented artisans. Check them out and browse their large selection of items. They make perfect gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holidays, or any special occasion!

    💭 Expert Tips and Tricks

    • A single 14.5 oz can of chicken broth is slightly less than 2 cups, so you can use water for the remainder of the liquid to avoid opening a second can.
    • Using the broth to cook the onion and bell pepper is a great way to avoid using oil. If you like, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil into your skillet instead.
    • If you're cooking your shrimp from frozen, it's best to plan ahead and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

    📌 This shrimp couscous recipe is the perfect way to feed your family a nice healthy meal in just 30 minutes. Using just one skillet also majorly cuts down on clean-up!

    💡 Substitutions and Variations

    • Use 1 cup of chopped frozen onion to save time on prep.
    • Feel free to omit the cumin if you like. You can also add other spices like paprika or garlic powder for additional flavor.
    • Diced chicken or pork can be used instead of the shrimp. Cooking times may need to be lengthened.

    🔊 What readers are saying...

    "What a fantastic way to enjoy Shrimp and couscous. I love shrimp and am always looking for something new!!!"

    - Heidy

    🥫 Storage and Reheating

    Keep your shrimp and couscous in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave for a minute at a time, stirring in between to heat all the way through.

    You can also freeze this dish for 3 months or so. I recommend allowing it to thaw in the fridge for several hours (or overnight) before reheating.

    🍴 What To Serve With This Dish

    Even though this shrimp with couscous has everything you need for a full and complete meal, you may want to serve it with a side dish if you're feeding a larger crowd. For additional veggie goodness, pair with Baked Eggplant Fries or this easy Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli. Elevate this dish by serving it alongside these Easy Drop Biscuits or sophisticated Stuffed Acorn Squash.

    ✔️ More Shrimp Recipes You'll Love

    • Shrimp Scampi without Wine - No wine is required to make this comforting, restaurant-quality shrimp scampi!
    • Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos - Add a seafood twist to your next Taco Tuesday dinner.
    • Shrimp Grilled Cheese - Tired of the same old grilled cheese? Add some shrimp to take your sandwiches to the next level.
    • Cajun Shrimp Lasagna - This recipe from The Stay at Home Chef is a flavorful and bold take on seafood lasagna!
    Side shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with more black bowls on the side and a blue background.
    Perfect for busy weeknights, this shrimp and couscous meal is ready in only 30 minutes!

    One Skillet Shrimp and Couscous

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    ⭐ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ⭐

    📋 Recipe Card

    Overhead shot of shrimp couscous in a black bowl on a wooden cutting board with a blue background and more black bowls on the side.

    One Skillet Shrimp with Couscous

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    This shrimp with couscous features lean protein from shrimp and veggie nutrition from red bell pepper, sweet peas, and mushrooms!
    5 from 56 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Entree
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 387 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 onion
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-off)
    • 1 cup sweet peas
    • 1 cup mushrooms (roughly chopped)
    • 2 cups couscous
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Chop the onion and red bell pepper until you have about 1 cup of each. n.
      1 onion, 1 red bell pepper
    • Place the dd the onion and red pepper into a large skillet and saute over medium high heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. You can add a little of the chicken broth in this step if the mixture seems dry.
    • Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and cumin. Bring to a boil.
      2 cups chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin
    • Add the shrimp and simmer until the shrimp are almost cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
      1 pound shrimp
    • Add the peas and mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
      1 cup mushrooms, 1 cup sweet peas
    • Stir in the couscous, remove from heat and cover.
      2 cups couscous
    • Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

    Notes

    • You can use 1 cup frozen chopped onion instead of fresh to save time.
    • One 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth is slightly less than 2 cups. You can either tap into a second can, or you can just add a little water to make up the difference.
    • I like to saute in chicken broth to avoid using oil, but if you prefer you can definitely add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and saute the onion and red bell pepper in the oil.
    • Skip the cumin if that is not a flavor that your family enjoys.
    • I bought a bag of frozen shrimp that I thawed overnight in the refrigerator prior to using in this recipe.
    • Shrimp can be a little pricey, but you can substitute diced chicken or pork in this recipe. They will take a little longer to cook than the shrimp so you will need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
    • Note that for the photos I used whole wheat couscous because that was all they had at the grocery store, but I think regular couscous works better in this recipe. (Every other time I made this I used regular.) I just wanted to mention that because your result may look a little different but rest assured that this recipe was originally developed and tested with regular couscous and it was delicious.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 596mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1216IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in June 2013, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in September 2023.

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

    More Entree Recipes

    • Overhead shot of cabbage casserole in a large shallow pot with a black spatula all resting on a wooden surface.
      Super Easy One Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
    • Overhead shot of spinach and mushroom pasta in a large pot with a rubber spoon on a wooden table.
      Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
    • Side shot of turkey tetrazzini garnished with cheese and herbs in a white oval bowl on a speckled blue surface with a bowl of cheese and herbs in the background.
      Slow Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini
    • Overhead shot of rigatoni garnished with cheese and herbs in a blue bowl on a blue speckled surface with a blue cloth and basil on the side.
      Easy One Pot Rigatoni
    342 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Flipboard
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Thanks for stopping by! Share a tip or comment... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Nikki

      September 19, 2023 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      I am loving this one skillet meal. It's full of great lean protein and lots of flavor. It's perfect for a weeknight meal.

      Reply
    2. Sisley

      September 19, 2023 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      Adding the shrimp really made this next level!

      Reply
    3. justine

      September 19, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      New to making cous cous so this was a huge help. Easy to understand and texture was perfect.

      Reply
      • Kristin King

        September 19, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply
    4. Sandhya S

      September 19, 2023 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      Loved your Shrimp with Couscous recipe—delicious and quick, perfect for weeknight dinners!

      Reply
    5. Heidy L. McCallum

      May 21, 2014 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic way to enjoy Shrimp and couscous. I love shrimp and am always looking for something new!!!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A close up of a woman

    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

    Trending Recipes

    • Side view of chicken potato bake in baking pan on a wooden table with white plates and a spoon in the background.
      Chicken Potato Bake
    • Pan fried banana snacks piled on a white square dish and placed on yellow and green napkins.
      Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
    • Side view of stew in brown pot on a brown placemat.
      Brazilian Fish Stew
    • Side view of chicken pot pie in a white bowl with a fork and a green background.
      Easy Chicken Pot Pie
    • Overhead view of ground turkey pasta broccoli dinner on a white dish
      Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Broccoli Dinner
    • Overhead shot of baked spinach mushroom quesadillas sliced into pieces on a white plate with herbs on the side.
      Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

    Fun Fall Recipes!

    • Side view of three cream cheese pumpkin rollups stacked on a blue plate on a wooden table.
      Cream Cheese Pumpkin Rollups
    • Round chocolate cookie topped with chocolate kiss pressed into orange frosting on a baking sheet.
      Witch Hat Cookies
    • Side close up shot two whoopie pies leaning on each other on a grey surface with sprinkles in front.
      Pumpkin Cheesecake Cake Mix Whoopie Pies
    • Close up shot of pumpkin cake pops on a black surface.
      Easy Pumpkin Cake Pops
    • Close up shot of monster mash in a black pan with mini marshmallows and halloween decorations in the background.
      Monster Mash
    • Pumpkin spice cakes with cream cheese frosting on a chopping board.
      Pumpkin Spice Cake
    See more Halloween →

    Footer

    as featured on


    About

    • Contributors
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Subscribe

    Follow

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2013-2022 Nesting Penguins LLC - All content including text and photos