Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat, commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! You can substitute orzo with couscous, quinoa, or small pasta like ditalini or fregola.

Can I make shrimp orzo dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and swap dairy-based cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.

What can I serve with shrimp orzo?

Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Make the Best Shrimp Orzo Recipe at Home

Name: Shrimp Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist); ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Zest of 1 lemon

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Orzo:

1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic, and lemon juice. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, melt butter (or heat olive oil). Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and orzo, and toast for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Simmer the orzo: Add broth, cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine everything: Once orzo is tender, return shrimp to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan (if using), parsley, and lemon zest. Let cook for another minute to combine flavors.
Serve hot: Garnish with extra parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or dairy-free alternative at the end.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked quinoa or rice.
Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.

Author: Chef EL
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Diet: Halal

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Plate
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 180mg