Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Orzo

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

Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili flakes, served over tender orzo pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and pour in 1 cup uncooked orzo. Toast orzo for 1 minute, then add 1 cup canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Stir in cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Serve topped with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy Tomato Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Spicy 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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