One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp cooked with ripe tomatoes and orzo pasta in a single pot, flavored with garlic and a kick of red pepper flakes for a quick satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast it for 1 minute, coating it well with the tomato mixture.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Nestle 12 peeled and deveined large shrimp into the orzo, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and orzo is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Shrimp and Tomato Orzo?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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