This One Pot Pea and Shrimp Orzo is a wonderful dish that combines tender shrimp and sweet peas with orzo pasta in a tasty sauce. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
The best part? You only need one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! I love how the flavors blend together, making it a cozy meal that brings smiles all around. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds a lovely flavor, but frozen shrimp works just as well and can be more convenient. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using chicken or even canned tuna in place of shrimp.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up the dish’s flavors beautifully. If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or any other pasta will work; just adjust cooking times as needed.
Peas: Frozen peas are perfect here because they’re quick and retain their sweetness. If you prefer fresh peas, feel free to use them, just add them earlier during cooking.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances the flavor, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute. For a richer taste, homemade broth is always a wonderful choice if you have it on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a strong flavor, but garlic powder can be a practical substitute. Use 1/8 tsp for every clove.
How Can I Cook Orzo Perfectly Without It Getting Mushy?
Cooking orzo to the right texture is key for this dish. Follow these steps to avoid mushiness:
- Start by toasting the orzo in the pan for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor and keeps the pasta firm.
- When you add the broth, keep an eye on the cooking time—about 8-10 minutes is perfect. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the orzo a minute or two before the suggested time to check for doneness. You want it al dente, which means it should have a bit of a bite.
How to Make One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus lemon halves for serving)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious one-pot meal ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat and Sauté
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Just be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Shrimp
Next, toss the shrimp into the pan and season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Once they are done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Toast the Orzo
In the same pan, add the orzo pasta and stir it for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Orzo
After boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally, and cook until the orzo absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender—this should take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add the Peas
During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This will heat them through and add a lovely pop of color and sweetness to your dish.
6. Combine Everything
Once the orzo is cooked and the peas are tender, fold the cooked shrimp back into the pan. If you’re using butter, add it now for extra creaminess! Then, squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Season and Serve
Taste your dish and make any seasoning adjustments with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with extra parsley and serve it warm alongside the lemon halves for an extra zing.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy one-pot pea and shrimp orzo!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Substitute Orzo?
If you’re out of orzo, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even rice! Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta or rice instructions to ensure it cooks perfectly.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just adjust their cooking time as needed, adding them when the orzo has cooked for a few minutes to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if it seems dry.