One Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake
This one-pan shrimp orzo bake delivers a quick and effortless Mediterranean-inspired meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, everything cooks together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
The creamy element of this bake comes from the addition of a touch of cheese, often feta or Parmesan, which melts into the dish, creating a luscious and comforting sauce. A drizzle of good quality olive oil ties all the flavors together, enhancing the freshness of the ingredients.
This one-pan Mediterranean shrimp orzo bake is incredibly easy to prepare but also a healthy and satisfying meal option. Packed with lean protein from the shrimp, fiber from the vegetables, and the wholesome goodness of orzo, it’s a balanced and delicious dish.
Suggested garnishes include a drizzle of good quality olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parsley or basil. If you like this recipe you will also love my Easy Marry Me Shrimp or One Pan Shrimp Saganaki Orzo!
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One Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs wild shrimp, shelled + deveined
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 2 cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 1 small zucchini, coarsely grated
- 5 oz sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian herb blend
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt + pepper, to taste
- 2 oz baby spinach, rough chop
- 7 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Optional Garnish: light drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, chopped basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉.
- Using a paper towel, blot your shrimp dry. Lightly coat shrimp in 1 tbs olive oil, season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian herb blend.
- In a 9×13 inch baking pan, add in the olive oil, orzo, zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, broth, Italian herb blend, onion powder, salt, pepper and mix together until combined. Next, cover with parchment paper and aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, take it out of the oven, uncover, add in the spinach and feta and mix until incorporated. Top with the shrimp and pop back in the oven for 8-10 minutes uncovered. Stir it all together and serve with fresh lemon juice and basil or parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You can use any type of cheese like fresh mozzarella or shredded parmesan cheese.
- Any type of broth works here except beef broth.
Outstandingly delicious & super easy! Since my cooking is heavy on the vegetables, I coarsely chopped 2 small zucchini versus shredding it & used 1 medium chopped onion instead of the onion powder. This one is a keeper! Thank you!
This was INCREDIBLE!!!! We used 2 lbs shrimp, just so didn’t have to split a bag 😉 This is getting recorded in my recipe box 🙂
Could you substitute quinoa for the orzo?
Nice and easy! Love recipes where the pasta cooks along with the rest of the dish. Timesaver! Also, my son who said no way would he like warm shrimp in a meal said it was alright. My hubby and I really enjoyed it. Very flavorful!
easy and excellent..family loved it
Received the email today and made it for dinner. Absolutely amazing, delicious, easy to make meal. Thank you
Easy and delicious – my whole family loved it!
HI Shannon, I’m so glad it was a hit with everyone! Thank you for coming back to share your feedback with us too <3
My family loved this! It really could be a dish for a dinner party! I only used 1 cup of orzo, as that is all we need, as 1 cup makes plenty, and non-fat feta. Everything worked out perfectly. My husband and son (28) told me that this recipe is a “keeper!”
Thank you for sharing!
HI Danni, Sounds awesome! I’m so glad the recipe was well received by all and thank you for sharing you feedback too!
Not a feta fan, what can I use as a substitute?
Hi Diane! I got you – just sub in 1/2 cup to 1 cup SHREDDED parmesan cheese instead!
I can manage the recipe but want to clarify the directions that state to season the shrimp with garlic powder. The ingredients list shows only the minced garlic that’s added to the concoction, which is probably enough. Right?
Thanks so much.
HI BZ i always like to separately season my meat/protein. I would recommend here too!
Does 2 cups of uncooked orzo mean 1 lb of orzo? Yikes!
yes!
can it be made ahead of time?
can I substitute rice for the orzo
Hi Robin, yes but I’m not sure of liquid amount and cooking times with the rice.
Different brands rice require diff times etc
Do you squeeze out water in zuchinni?
HI Debbie, no i do not squeeze them. Enjoy!