Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel
A vibrant Mediterranean dish combining tender orzo pasta with fresh seafood, aromatic fennel, and sun-ripened tomatoes simmered in olive oil. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs orzo pasta, shrimp, peeled and deveined, calamari rings for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 oz calamari rings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes until slightly golden. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and cook until mostly evaporated.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz shrimp and 6 oz calamari rings to the orzo, stirring gently. Cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes until seafood is opaque and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel?
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 orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel?
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 Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel 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 Seafood Orzo Pilaf with Tomato and Fennel?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my family, and everyone loved the fresh tomato and fennel combination.
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit at my dinner party! The orzo absorbed all the flavors perfectly.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were great, but it was slightly bland for my taste. I added more lemon.
