Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stovetop orzo dish simmered with shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a light yet satisfying meal. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, peeled and deveined large shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 12 oz peeled shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 1 cup dry orzo and stir to coat with oil and tomatoes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then 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 tbsp lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes to combine flavors and warm through. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil 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 orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil 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 Stovetop Shrimp and Tomato Basil Orzo?

Italian 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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