This Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with Spinach is a quick and delicious option for a weeknight meal. It’s an easy dinner recipe that highlights fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors.
Perfect for those following a Mediterranean diet, this dish combines succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and nutrient-rich spinach for a satisfying, one-pan meal.
Quick Shrimp and Orzo Skillet with Spinach
In this recipe, shrimp is sautéed with garlic and spinach, then tossed with orzo pasta and a touch of lemon for a refreshing finish. The dish is simple to prepare and takes about 30 minutes to serve 4 generous portions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté until the shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Spinach and Orzo: Stir in the chopped spinach and cooked orzo, mixing until the spinach wilts down. Squeeze the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
