One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo is a colorful dish that mixes tiny pasta, juicy shrimp, and bright green peas. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
You’ll love how everything cooks together in one pot—less mess to clean up! I always add a sprinkle of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Trust me, it makes it even better! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta shape is perfect for a creamy, comforting dish. If you can’t find orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are great, but frozen shrimp work well too! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or hearty vegetables instead.
Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and sweet. Fresh peas can be used if they’re in season. Alternatively, you can substitute with edamame for a different twist.
Broth: You can use chicken broth for added flavor, but vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option. For a lighter dish, consider using low-sodium broth to control salt.
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp just right can be tricky! Here are some tips to help:
- Make sure your shrimp are pink and opaque all the way through. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep an eye on them as they cook!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If using more shrimp, cook in batches to allow even cooking.
- Cover the pan while the shrimp cooks for a couple of minutes. This helps trap the steam and cooks the shrimp faster.
These simple techniques will ensure your shrimp comes out juicy and tasty every time! Enjoy your meal! 😊
One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick meal for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This helps create a lovely base for your dish!
2. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Next, add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen!
3. Toast the Orzo:
Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast it lightly for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish!
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in 1 3/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, plus some salt and black pepper to taste. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo is tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp and Peas:
Now, add 1 cup of frozen peas and the 1/2 pound of raw shrimp on top of the orzo mixture. Cover the pan and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
6. Final Touches:
Gently stir everything together, and finish it off by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Serve your One Pot Pea + Shrimp Orzo hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful, easy one pot meal!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they’re fully thawed before adding them to the dish for even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with chickpeas or diced tofu for a hearty vegetarian version. Just make sure to cook the chickpeas a bit longer if they are canned, and adjust the cooking time for tofu to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This one pot orzo dish is quite filling on its own, but you could pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Enjoy!
