One Pan Shrimp Orzo Pasta

5.0 from 40 votes

Delicious and easy dinner recipe One Pan Shrimp and Basil Orzo Pasta, ready in just 30 minutes!

Get ready to impress your family and friends with a quick and easy one-pan recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit! This One Pan Shrimp and Basil Orzo pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering a delectable pasta dinner in a snap. Say goodbye to lengthy prep-times and hello to mouthwatering flavors!

More quick and easy one pan recipes for you to try:

• One Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash
• One Pan Italian Chicken
• Easy One Pan Baked Gnocchi with Prosciutto and Leeks
• One Pan Mushroom Chicken and Creamy Rice

What is Orzo?

Orzo, also known as Risoni in some countries is a type of pasta, shaped like a grain of rice that is absolutely perfect in soups (instead of noodles) or served just as pasta. It cooks much faster than rice and can be a substitute if really needed.

I love all these quick 30 minutes dinner recipes made with a couple of ingredients! I have been cooking them through the whole January month and I am pretty happy with our healthy start of this year. Told you, nothing fancy, no drastic changes…. just getting back to basics and cooking from scratch where is possible.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb/ 500g raw shrimp/ green prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1½ cup orzo/ risoni pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth/ stock
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
• grape tomatoes, halved to serve

This One Pan Shrimp and Basil Orzo pasta dish is packed with all my favorite Mediterranean flavors: olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, zesty lemon and fresh seafood.

If you don’ have/ prefer shrimp (prawn) you can replace it with 3 medium sized skinless chicken breast fillets or some fish fillets.

How to Make One Pot Shrimp and Orzo Pasta

1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and the chopped asparagus to the pan. Cook for approximately 1 minute, then introduce the shrimp. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the contents to a bowl and set aside.

2. Return the pan to the heat, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Incorporate some chopped fresh basil leaves along with the orzo or risoni pasta. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the olive oil sauce.

3. Pour in the dry white wine, giving everything a good stir. Then, add the chicken broth or stock, and lemon juice. Continue cooking, stirring regularly, for approximately 12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Add the shrimp mixture back to the pan, stirring gently to incorporate it into the pasta.

5. Turn off the heat and serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and halved grape tomatoes.

This recipe makes a pretty big batch of Shrimp and Basil Orzo/ Risoni and if you are feeding just a couple of people you will definitely end up with leftovers, that will be much appreciated the next day!

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Shrimp and Orzo Dinner Recipe

Properly Cook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be cautious not to overcook them. They’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.

Even Cooking: Ensure even cooking of the orzo (or risoni) by stirring frequently and maintaining an even heat. This prevents clumping and ensures all the pasta cooks evenly.

Don’t Overcook Orzo: Orzo should be cooked until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Cooking it too long can result in mushy pasta.

Use Chicken Broth for Flavor: Using chicken broth instead of water to cook the orzo adds extra flavor. If you’re using store-bought broth, consider low-sodium options to better control the dish’s saltiness.

Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh herbs and garnishes like basil leaves and halved grape tomatoes not only add visual appeal but also freshness and complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.

Serve Promptly: Serve the dish promptly once it’s cooked to ensure the best texture and flavor. Shrimp and pasta dishes are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan.

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