Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo Skillet

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 20 min |Total Time: 35 min

Fresh shrimp, tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, garlic, feta, and lemon all cooked together in one skillet for an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner packed with flavor. This recipe feels light but still comforting and comes together in about 35 minutes.

Why This Works:

• The orzo absorbs the garlic, broth, and shrimp flavor while staying creamy and tender.
• Cherry tomatoes burst into the sauce and add freshness and acidity.
• Feta adds a salty creamy finish that balances the lemon and seafood perfectly.
• Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup and layered flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Prep:

1. Peel and devein shrimp if needed
2. Mince garlic and dice shallot
3. Halve cherry tomatoes
4. Crumble feta cheese
5. Juice half a lemon

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until lightly pink, then remove and set aside.
3. Add shallot and garlic to the skillet and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the dry orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add cherry tomatoes and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and stir in lemon juice.
8. Top with feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes:

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• If the orzo thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery.
• Spinach can be added near the end for extra color and nutrition.

Goes Great With:

• Garlic bread
• Roasted asparagus
• Greek salad
• White wine
• Cucumber salad

Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo Skillet

This Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo Skillet is a bright, flavorful one-pan seafood dinner loaded with garlic, lemon, feta, and tender orzo. It’s quick enough for weeknights while still feeling fresh and restaurant-quality.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner, Main Course, seafood

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small shallot diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prep

1. Peel and devein shrimp if needed
2. Mince garlic and dice shallot
3. Halve cherry tomatoes
4. Crumble feta cheese
5. Juice half a lemon

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until lightly pink, then remove and set aside.
3. Add shallot and garlic to the skillet and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the dry orzo and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add cherry tomatoes and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and stir in lemon juice.
8. Top with feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• If the orzo thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp or they can become rubbery.
• Spinach can be added near the end for extra color and nutrition.