• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Recipe Hippie

Recipe Hippie

A free spirited approach towards Mediterranean diet recipes

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Must Have’s
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Must Have’s
  • About
  • Contact
  • Mediterranean Recipes
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Mediterranean Diet Recipes
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes

One Skillet Shrimp Orzo Recipe

June 29, 2022 by Elizabeth Murray | Affiliate Disclaimer
FacebookTweetPin

One skillet is all it takes to make this delicious shrimp and orzo dinner with buttery shiitake mushrooms and rich, sharp kalamata olives! It’s really easy to make, is loaded with incredibly healthy ingredients, and is very filling. Trust me when I say this is one of the best shrimp dinner’s you will ever have!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A cast iron skillet filled with mediterranean shrimp, olives, mushrooms and orzo, with green basil on top

If you can’t tell, I’m having a little moment with Mediterranean seafood recipes. I mean, at least it’s a delicious moment? Make sure to check out my video for how to make it above the recipe card!

What Does This Shrimp Orzo Recipe Taste Like?

Only all the best ingredients go into this shrimp orzo recipe! Shiitake mushrooms contribute a buttery, umami flavor, which is balanced out by the rich, sharp bite of the kalamata olives.

We use a variety of pantry spices and aromatics like ginger and garlic to flavor the toasty nutty orzo.

And the shrimp…well shrimp are SUPER tasty on their own, so we leave them untouched so we can relish that meaty, sweet shrimp flavor with every bite.

This dish, inspired by paella, is easy enough for a family dinner but also makes a lovely presentation for company, too.

How Do You Make It?

As mentioned, this is a one pot shrimp and orzo recipe, which means it is perfect for a busy weeknight! Cooking the ingredients in one pan allows the orzo to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

All you have to do is:

  1. Saute the veggies.
  2. Add the aromatics and spices to the pan, along with tomato paste.
  3. Pour in the broth (or stock) and orzo.
  4. Place the shrimp over the top, and sprinkle with olives.
  5. Bake, then sprinkle with basil. Feel free to squeeze some lemon juice over the top too!

IT’S THAT EASY! And when I tell you the flavors in this Mediterranean shrimp pasta dish will have your mouth watering for more…

a skillet filled with sauteed vegetables, orzo pasta and a golden broth
a large skillet with cooking liquid, orzo and raw shrimp over the top

The Health Benefits Of This Recipe:

I personally love this Mediterranean shrimp recipe because of how healthy it actually is! As you know, eating seafood at least 2X per week is recommended on a Mediterranean diet, so this is a fantastic meal to incorporate into your weekly dinners!

ShrimpShrimp is a great source of iodine, which is crucial for proper thyroid and brain function. It is also low in calories and high in protein! One 3 ounce serving has about 84 calories and a whopping 20 grams of protein!
Shiitake MushroomsShiitake mushrooms contain many of the same amino acids as meat. They are a rich source of selenium, and contain eritadenine, a compound known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
ZucchiniZucchini is rich in vitamin A, which helps support your vision and immune system. It is also high in carotenoid antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which help fight free radicals in the body!
Ginger & GarlicBoth ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies show that garlic and ginger may help reduce markers of oxidative stress, including the highly reactive and damaging compound malondialdehyde. (learn more HERE & HERE)
CorianderCoriander is rich in immune boosting antioxidants. These compounds include terpinene, quercetin, and tocopherols, which may have anticancer, immune-boosting, and neuroprotective effects. (learn more HERE)
PaprikaPaprika contains capsaicin, a compound found in peppers that has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits, including having anti-inflammatory properties.
mediterranean shrimp orzo pasta and shiitake mushroom dinner on a pink plate with a piece of toasted baguette

Ingredient Substitutions

While all of those ingredients are super healthy and delicious, not everyone has access to them. Here are some common substitutions that you can make in this shrimp orzo recipe if you are in a pinch!

Shiitake MushroomsFeel free to substitute these for any variety of mushroom, such as button, cremini, oyster, or sliced portobello .
Kalamata OlivesDon’t have a jar of kalamata olives hanging around the pantry? Don’t worry! Any variety of pitted olive will be just as good, such as black olives, manzanilla olives, castelvetrano olives, etc.
ShrimpOkay, I know, its the main ingredient! The star! But technically you can substitute it with scallops, muscles, clams, langostino. But note that the cooking times will vary, and you will still need to cook the skillet meal until the orzo absorbs all of the liquid.
ZucchiniYou can absolutely substitute the zucchini for another vegetable that is in season where you are, such as summer squash, eggplant, bell pepper, butternut squash, sweet potato (cut into small cubes so they cook along with everything else).
BasilThe basil is mostly used as a garnish here, so any green herb will work! Fresh parsley, cilantro. fresh thyme will all suffice, although I truly enjoy the bite of the basil with all of the other flavors.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add a splash of white wine prior to pouring in the broth for more flavor and depth.

Ingredients I would Not Substitute:

  • PAPRIKA – I stand behind the fact that smoked paprika is a HUGE flavor game changer when used in recipes, and this recipe is no different.

Try not to substitute it, but if you have to, another variety of paprika like sweet paprika will give a similar effect, without the smokiness (a drop of liquid smoke could counteract this!)

  • FRESH GARLIC & GINGER – While I wouldn’t omit the fresh minced garlic and ginger, if you ran out of the garlic and ginger spices that this recipe calls for, it will be okay to omit them.

close up shot of a cast iron skilled with cooked orzo, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms and baked olives recipe

How To Store Leftovers

  • MICROWAVE – If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To re-heat, microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and continue to microwave in 30 second intervals until desired temperature is achieved.

  • OVEN – You can also spread it out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, however, I find that this method dries it out more.

@recipehippie

This is one of my favorites! #mediterraneandiet #healthyrecipes #foodtok #thisismysong #fyp

♬ Pass The Dutchie – Musical Youth

More Mediterranean Seafood Recipes

  • One Skillet Shrimp Orzo Recipe

  • Mediterranean Baked Cod

  • Healthy Oven Baked Cod Recipe

  • Ginger Sage Shrimp with Brown Butter Pumpkin Polenta

Did you make this one pot shrimp recipe?  It would mean so much to me if you would rate it below the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work! @RecipeHippie

A cast iron skillet filled with mediterranean shrimp, olives, mushrooms and orzo, with green basil on top

One Skillet Shrimp Orzo Recipe

One skillet is all it takes to make this delicious shrimp and orzo dinner with buttery shiitake mushrooms and rich, sharp kalamata olives!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 24 mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4

Equipment

  • large cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, stem removed and cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, dirt brushed off and end of stems removed slice if you want smaller pieces of mushroom
  • 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tbsp coriander
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups  vegetable broth can also use chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 pound  raw thawed shrimp, tail on
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced in half
  • salt and pepper to taste (try to limit salt if broth is not low sodium)
  • a pinch of basil, sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet (or oven safe skillet) over medium-high heat. Saute the onion, zucchini and shiitake mushrooms until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced ginger and garlic, tomato paste and all of the spices to the skillet. Stir well and allow to cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
  • Pour in the broth and orzo. Mix the orzo well, and try to get every piece submerged in the broth. Place the shrimp over the top of the orzo. Salt/pepper to taste, then sprinkle with kalamata olives.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until all of the liquid is absorbed by the orzo and the shrimp are cooked through. Chop up some basil and sprinkle over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Keyword mediterranean shrimp, one skillet, shrimp and orzo
A wooden cutting board with a small bowl of olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic, vinegar, parsley, and mint

How To Start A Mediterranean Diet

A roasted butternut squash steak with yogurt sauce, pistachios and basil over a bed of couscous and a fork showing a piece cut off

Roasted Butternut Squash Steaks

A black plate with 4 kabobs on top filled with bright grilled vegetables and lemon dill chicken, with a greek yogurt sauce drizzled over the top

7 Ingredient Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs Recipe

A spatula taking a piece of mediterranean baked cod topped with tomatoes, olives and feta out of a blue baking dish

Mediterranean Cod Recipe with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Olives and Feta

how to make espresso tonic

Orange Coffee Tonic

A loaf of healthy meatloaf cut into two pieces

Gluten-Free Meatloaf Recipe

Category: Dinner Recipes, Mediterranean Diet Recipes, Seafood recipes
FacebookTweetPin

Affiliate Disclaimer

My posts may contain affiliate links. Every one of the affiliate companies is a company that I stand by and believe in. If you choose to purchase something through their link on my website, you won’t pay a penny more, but I will receive a small commission. It helps me to continue to create great content for you! Thanks!

Previous Post:a blue and white flowered bowl filled with greek lemon and rice soup, with carrots, kale and chickpeas visible in the soup. There is another bowl in the background, and they are on a dark wooden surfaceGreek Lemon Soup With Chickpeas
Next Post:Mediterranean Baked Cod RecipeA close up image of mediterranean baked cod recipe, with a golden baked white fish filet topped with green olives, red onion, parsley and tomatoes

Sidebar

Hey, I’m Liz!

I am SO thrilled to meet you!

I’m a Physical Therapy Assistant turned food blogger, and love merging my intrigue for the human body with my passion for all things food! I’m here to show you that enjoying a Mediterranean diet doesn’t mean that you can only eat Mediterranean food! I can’t wait to show you how rewarding the MedDiet lifestyle can be!

Recipe Collections

close up shot of a cast iron skilled with cooked orzo, shrimp, shiitake mushrooms and baked olives recipe

Mediterranean Diet Recipes

Chicken Recipes

Dessert Recipes

lemon butter pasta

Dinner Recipes

white rice porridge

Healthy Recipes

Vegetarian Chili

Vegan Recipes

About Me

Hello! I am the recipe hippie, and I am here to give you a free spirited approach towards home cooking. When it comes to the ingredients you have available, I challenge you to reject your conventional notions around recipes and think outside of the box. Substitutions are encouraged! So open up your pantry, get creative and have fun. Some of the greatest things in life originated through improvisation!

Hello! I am the recipe hippie, and I am here to give you a free spirited approach towards home cooking!

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Must Have’s
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2020 · Recipe Hippie · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding