This One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo is a colorful dish that’s both fun and easy to make! Juicy shrimp and tender peas mix perfectly with soft orzo pasta in a simple one-pot meal.
What’s not to love? It’s quick, delicious, and clean-up is a breeze! I adore how the flavors come together, making it a family favorite on busy nights. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese on top! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great for this recipe. If you’re not a shrimp fan, try substituting with chicken or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo adds a lovely texture, but you can use other small pasta like ditalini or even a quick-cooking rice if orzo isn’t available.
Peas: Fresh peas are fantastic, but frozen peas will save time and are just as tasty. If you’re avoiding peas, diced bell peppers or green beans make a great alternative.
Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth. For a lighter option, water works in a pinch, although the flavor might be milder. Homemade broth is my favorite for extra depth!
Turmeric: While it adds color and health benefits, feel free to skip it or replace it with a pinch of curry powder if you like some additional flavor.
How Do You Cook the Perfect One Pot Dish?
Making a one pot meal can be an easier cleanup, but timing is key to avoid overcooked ingredients. Here’s a little guide:
- Start with sautéing the onions to build flavor. They should be soft but not brown.
- Add your garlic just a minute before the tomatoes and peas to keep its strong flavor intact.
- For the orzo, stir it well in the broth to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the cooking time; it cooks quickly!
- Finally, add shrimp and spinach toward the end. Shrimp only needs a few minutes to cook, and spinach wilts quickly.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A squeeze of lemon just before you eat brightens everything up!
One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium tomato, diced (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color and subtle flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. This builds a great flavor base!
2. Add Garlic and Veggies:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then stir in the diced tomato, peas, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes to let the flavors blend nicely.
3. Mix in the Orzo:
Now, add the orzo pasta to the pot and give it a good stir, making sure it’s well coated with all that flavorful seasoning and oil. This ensures every bite will be tasty!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Pour in the broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
5. Add Spinach and Shrimp:
When the orzo is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the chopped spinach and shrimp. Cover the pot again and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the spinach wilts. The color is beautiful!
6. Final Touches:
Take the pot off the heat and taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to cool off.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of flavor and color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zest when it’s time to eat!
Enjoy this easy, flavorful one-pot meal that perfectly blends tender shrimp, sweet peas, and creamy orzo pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them beforehand. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water for quick thawing right before cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo Pasta?
No worries! You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, shells, or even small rice. Each will give a slightly different texture but will still work nicely in this dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in or swap out vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus based on what you have on hand. Just add them at the right time to ensure they cook evenly.
