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Skillet Shrimp and Orzo

Cooking the ingredients in one pan allows the orzo to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Skillet Shrimp and Orzo

Everyday Food editor Sarah Carey shows you how to make a fast, one-pan meal that’s like paella, but far easier to put together.

Everyday Food, May 2012
  • Prep Time 15 minutes
  • Total Time 35 minutes
  • Yield Serves 4
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups halved grape tomatoes (about 1 pound)
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 3/4 pound orzo
  • 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in top position. In a large broilerproof skillet, heat 5 teaspoons oil over medium. Add garlic and cook until just beginning to brown, 1 minute. Increase heat to high and add tomatoes; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 minutes. Add orzo and broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, transfer to oven, and bake until liquid is mostly absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes.

  2. Toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Remove skillet from oven and place shrimp on top of orzo. Heat broiler. Broil until shrimp are opaque throughout, 4 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

Cook's Note

Shopping Tip
Look for orzo near the other dried pastas. It's also great in brothy soups or tossed with herbs for an easy side.

Recipe Reviews

  • JScots
    27 Aug, 2012

    My husband and I loved the recipe with one exception. The grape tomatoes fell apart and we were left with "skins" once the dish was finished. Next time, I will try this recipe using diced Roma tomatoes that hold together better. I also "tweaked" the recipe by adding some white wine to the broth (1/4 c.instead of broth) and dressed the dish with an additional sprinkling of Romano cheese and some toasted pine nuts. Together with the basil, these additions were wonderful. Great recipe!

  • newyork2e
    26 Jun, 2012

    Ditto! A great, simple, fast recipe. Perfect for weekday dinner.

    I like to also add peas to the orzo just before putting it in the oven.

  • eMerlin2
    10 Jun, 2012

    This is a fantastic recipe. It's simple and delicious. I use cooked shrimp and whole wheat orzo.