Craving a delicious and healthy Mediterranean dinner? This Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo recipe is a perfect, quick option. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) medium or large shrimp.
- Orzo Pasta: Any small pasta shape will work, like ditalini or even small elbow macaroni.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best, but you can use frozen (thawed and squeezed dry) in a pinch.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth is also a good alternative.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 420
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or Dutch oven, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the orzo. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Prepare the Shrimp
While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Combine and Finish
Once the orzo is cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts, which will happen quickly from the residual heat. Add the cooked shrimp and fresh lemon juice to the orzo mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delightful mediterranean dinner recipes creation immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Add chopped cherry tomatoes or bell peppers along with the onion for extra veggies.
- Stir in a sprinkle of feta cheese at the end for a tangy, salty kick.
- For a creamy texture, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream.
- Include Kalamata olives for an even more pronounced Mediterranean flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth to prevent drying out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: What if you don’t have orzo pasta?
A: You can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti. The cooking time might vary slightly.
Q: Can you add more vegetables to this Mediterranean dinner recipe?
A: Definitely! Sautéed zucchini, asparagus, or chopped artichoke hearts would be great additions.
Q: How do you know when the shrimp is cooked through?
A: Shrimp cooks very quickly. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque and curls into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
A: Yes, you can certainly meal prep this. Store individual portions, but note that spinach may soften further upon reheating.
Q: Can you make this dish spicier?
A: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp or stir them into the orzo mixture.