Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet

Name: Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Easy Global Meals

I absolutely love preparing Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet for weeknight dinners. It's a vibrant one-pan meal that combines the delicate flavors of shrimp with the nutritious goodness of spinach, all nestled in tender orzo. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings. I've found that the secret to this dish's success is the fresh garlic and lemon juice, which elevate the flavors and keep the shrimp juicy. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-15T15:58:18.776Z

When I first tried making Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together so beautifully. The combination of garlic, spinach, and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a delightful taste explosion. I always recommend using fresh ingredients to enhance the dish further; fresh spinach wilts down perfectly, providing a wonderful texture alongside the tender orzo.

Over time, I've perfected this dish by experimenting with different spices and flavors. Adding a splash of white wine not only deglazes the pan but brings a depth of flavor to the shrimp. If you're looking for a quick, healthy meal that's still delicious, this is it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just one pan
Packed with nutritious spinach and succulent shrimp
Comforting yet light, perfect for any occasion

The Role of Orzo in Your Dish

Orzo, often mistaken for rice, is actually a type of pasta that brings a wonderful texture to this dish. Its small, rice-like shape allows it to absorb flavors beautifully, making each bite a harmonious blend of shrimp, spinach, and lemon. When cooking orzo, be careful not to overdo it—al dente is key for a perfect bite. It should be slightly firm to the bite but tender enough to soak in the juices from the sautéed shrimp and veggies. This technique ensures that the orzo remains fully integrated in texture throughout the meal.

One handy tip is to save a little pasta water after draining the orzo. If your skillet mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of this starchy water to bring everything together beautifully without losing any flavor. Additionally, if you want a bit more creaminess, consider adding a pat of butter or a sprinkle of parmesan just before serving—it enhances the dish's overall comfort factor.

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they can go from perfectly done to rubbery very quickly. To avoid this common pitfall, keep your heat at medium-high and closely watch the color change. Shrimp turn from a translucent grey to a vibrant pink when cooked, usually taking only 2-3 minutes per side. If they start to curl tightly, remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. If you're unsure, using a food thermometer can be helpful—perfectly cooked shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 120°F.

If you're looking to switch up the protein in this recipe, scallops or firm white fish like cod can also work well in place of shrimp. Just be mindful that cooking times will vary. Scallops will generally require a little longer, about 4-5 minutes per side, while fish fillets typically take the same time as shrimp. Adjust your timing appropriately to ensure every component of your dish is flawlessly cooked.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet to suit your taste or what you have on hand! If you’re looking for added flavor, consider mixing in sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or olives. These ingredients can provide extra depth and contrast to the dish. For those wanting to integrate a bit of creaminess, stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving can elevate the meal to a whole new level.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any flavorful juices left on your plate. I love adding a light vinaigrette to a mixed greens salad, balancing the richness of the orzo and shrimp perfectly. The freshness of the salad adds a bright complement, making it a complete and satisfying dinner without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious shrimp and spinach orzo skillet:

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking for a smooth experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet:

Cook the Orzo

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Prepare the Spinach

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the spinach, stirring until it wilts. Return the shrimp to the skillet.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Toss everything together and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

This recipe is a perfect choice for a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup!

Pro Tips

To save time, you can prep the shrimp and chop the garlic and parsley in advance. Also, feel free to substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Shrimp and Spinach Orzo Skillet can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can cook the orzo and sauté the shrimp and spinach in advance, combining them just before serving. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture and freshness.

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend only freezing the shrimp and orzo mixture without the spinach. The spinach tends to become mushy after freezing and thawing. Instead, you can sauté fresh spinach just before serving to ensure it maintains its texture. When reheating, ensure the mixture reaches a safe temperature of 165°F throughout.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Should you find that your orzo sticks together after cooking, it may not have been tossed with enough olive oil, or it may need a subtle splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Whenever cooking pasta, tossing it with oil immediately after draining helps minimize stickiness. If the dish seems too salty, adding a bit of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and help balance the taste.

If you accidentally overcook the shrimp, don’t panic! A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish and mask some of the rubbery texture. Additionally, pairing this dish with a fresh, zesty sauce on the side can divert attention from any minor mishaps while still making it delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.

→ Is there a substitute for orzo?

You can use any small pasta, such as ditalini or couscous, as a substitute.