This One Pot Shrimp and Orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is a fantastic 20-minute meal that's packed with flavor! Made using a simple simmering technique to create a risotto-like texture without the need for constant stirring.
Your pasta and shrimp cook in the same pan as tomatoes for a high-protein and flavorful dinner that requires very little cleanup. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this seafood orzo is a sophisticated but approachable recipe that will bring new and exciting flavors to your regular weeknight rotation!
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🩵 About This Recipe
One pan recipes have been a huge lifesaver in my kitchen lately, and this amazing orzo pasta with shrimp is a new favorite! With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together in 20 minutes for a great weeknight meal.
It features seared shrimp and tender orzo in a creamy sauce that the whole family will love! Sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of color and sweet, tangy flavor to pull it all together for a dish that's sure to be a new favorite.
And if you love this dish, you'll also love my One Pan Creamy Shrimp and Rice or this One Pan Coconut Shrimp!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- large shrimp - I prefer to buy mine peeled and de-veined for easier prep.
- minced garlic - fresh garlic will give you the best flavor, but jarred garlic is great for convenience.
- orzo pasta
- vegetable broth
- sun-dried tomatoes - helps lighten up this dish with a hint of sweet acidity.
- heavy cream - gives the sauce a rich and creamy consistency.
🔪 Let's Make Shrimp and Orzo!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Sear Shrimp
Heat oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from the pan.
Cook Orzo
In the same skillet, add orzo and garlic. Stir and cook until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes
Pour the broth and tomatoes in the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.
Make Sauce
Stir the heavy cream into the orzo mixture until a creamy sauce forms.
Add Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the orzo and stir to combine, cooking on low until everything is heated through.
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a proper sear on the shrimp, pat them dry with some paper towels so they sear instead of steaming.
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp. A minute or two on each side is plenty for a good sear, and if they still need to cook they'll do that when you add them back to the orzo.
- Be sure to give the orzo an occasional stir to prevent sticking, especially towards the end of the process when there isn't as much liquid left in the pan.
❔ FAQs
This is typically because of overcooking! Shrimp cook fairly quickly, so be sure to sear them for a minute or two on either side and then remove from the heat. If they're not all the way cooked at that point, they'll finish cooking when you return them to the pan.
No, orzo is actually a short-cut pasta. It's used in many dishes as an ingredient similar to rice, but it has a slightly softer texture than rice would.
This is also likely due to overcooking. Because orzo is pasta, it will continue to absorb moisture as it cooks, so if you cook it for too long it will get mushy and can lose its shape.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of shrimp, you can use cooked chicken or even sear some scallops.
- Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth if you want a more flavorful finish.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt or half-and-half would work in place of the heavy cream.
- For even more color and nutrition, stir in some fresh baby spinach when you add the shrimp back to the pan.
- Grated Parmesan is a great add to the sauce to make it creamier and to give it some cheesy flavor.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
It's easy to overcook both the shrimp and the orzo, so keep a close eye on them as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your pan and stove!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
To reheat, cook on medium over the stovetop or pop in the microwave. A splash of water or broth might be helpful if your shrimp and orzo has become too thick.
Keep It Handy
Don't have time for this shrimp and orzo recipe right now? Click on or tap the heart icon on the BOTTOM RIGHT of the screen to save it for later!
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Add a parsley garnish for some added color and presentation points. You can serve this dish with a side salad or your favorite roasted vegetables, and add a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up an leftover sauce!
😋 More One Pot Recipes You'll Love
- One Pan Pesto Chicken and Gnocchi - Pesto fans will love this quick and simple chicken dish.
- Honey Garlic Ground Turkey Bowls - Great for meal prep, these light turkey bowls are still packed with protein for a hearty and filling meal!
- One Pot Mushroom Mac and Cheese - A fun new spin on mac and cheese that includes delicious earthy mushroom flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Skillet - This amazing skillet dinner from Butter Your Biscuit includes tender pasta and juicy chicken in a creamy and zesty sauce!
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Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Orzo
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📋 Recipe Card
One Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp and Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.1 pound large shrimp
- In the same pan (no need to wash it), add the minced garlic and the dry orzo. Stir for 1 minute until the orzo smells slightly nutty and the garlic is fragrant.1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- Pour in the broth and the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid.3 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- Stir in the cream. The remaining liquid and the cream will thicken into a sauce.½ cup heavy cream
- Fold the cooked shrimp back into the creamy orzo. Let it sit for 1 minute to warm through.
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp. They only need 1-2 minutes per side and will finish warming later in the sauce.
- Stir occasionally while the orzo simmers to prevent sticking, especially toward the end when the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Variation Suggestions:
- You can swap the shrimp for cooked chicken or even scallops if you prefer.
- You can substitute chicken broth for the vegetable broth.
- You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt or even half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- If desired, stir in grated Parmesan for an even richer, cheesier sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for garnish.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Add warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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