Sheet-Pan Shrimp and Orzo

Name: Sheet-Pan Shrimp and Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: mediterranean
Ingredients: 450 g shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, tails removed); 1 cup orzo pasta; 250 g cherry tomato (halved); 0.25 cup kalamata olive (pitted, halved); 4 pcs garlic (cloves, thinly sliced); 0.5 cup feta cheese (crumbled); 1 pcs lemon (quartered, for squeezing); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 pinch red chili flakes; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1.25 cup water (boiling, for orzo); 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Juicy shrimp and tender orzo come together on a single sheet pan with bright cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbled feta. The pasta absorbs a lemony, garlicky broth while the shrimp stay perfectly plump under a quick broil. Everything finishes in under 40 minutes with almost no cleanup — a sunny, Mediterranean-inspired weeknight hero.

PREP

10m

COOK

25m

SERVES

1 CUP

434 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prep the ingredients.
1.Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 220°C (425°F).
2.Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil.
3.Halve the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
4.Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels.
TIPDry shrimp sear and cook more evenly — any surface moisture creates steam.
mix
Combine orzo and aromatics on the sheet pan.
1.Pour the dry orzo onto a large rimmed baking sheet.
2.Add halved tomatoes, olives, sliced garlic, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3.Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and toss everything together with your hands.
4.Spread the mixture into an even, single layer.
TIPA single layer lets the orzo toast slightly and cook evenly.
bake · ~12 min
Bake the orzo mixture with boiling water.
1.Carefully pour the boiling water over the orzo mixture.
2.Use a spoon to gently nudge any stuck grains into the water so everything is submerged.
3.Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12 minutes without stirring.
TIPResist the urge to stir while baking — the orzo needs undisturbed heat to absorb the water properly.
prep
Season the shrimp.
1.While the orzo bakes, place the dried shrimp in a bowl.
2.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt.
3.Toss to coat evenly.
bake · ~10 min
Add shrimp to the sheet pan and finish baking.
1.Pull the sheet pan from the oven after 12 minutes. Most of the water should be absorbed.
2.Nestle the seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the top of the orzo.
3.Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
TIPCheck the shrimp at 8 minutes — they go from perfect to rubbery quickly.
garnish
Finish with feta, parsley, and lemon.
1.Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the crumbled feta over the top.
2.Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
3.Squeeze the lemon wedges over everything and serve right from the sheet pan.
TIPThe residual heat softens the feta just enough. Let guests squeeze extra lemon at the table.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat shrimp thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure they sear, not steam.
2
Use a large rimmed sheet pan so the orzo stays in a single layer for even cooking.
3
Pour boiling water gently to avoid splashing raw orzo off the pan.
4
Resist stirring the orzo during the first bake; undisturbed heat helps it absorb liquid evenly.
5
Check shrimp at 8 minutes — they turn from perfectly pink to rubbery in under a minute.
6
Let the feta soften from residual heat for 1-2 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture.
7
Leftover sheet-pan shrimp and orzo keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

low oil

Low-oil

Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon total and use water or vegetable broth instead of the second tablespoon — keeps the dish lighter while still moistening the orzo.

high protein

High-protein

Swap half the orzo for 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas or cannellini beans; add them with the shrimp for extra plant-based protein and fiber.

jain

Jain

Omit garlic and onion (replace garlic with asafoetida/hing) and use a vegan feta alternative; skip the olives if not preferred — still a zesty, sheet-pan meal.

vegan

Vegan

Replace shrimp with 450g firm tofu cubes (patted dry) and use a vegan feta-style cheese; bake tofu alongside the orzo for a full plant-based version.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Lean Protein

Shrimp provide high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and repair.

✓

Packed with Lycopene

Cherry tomatoes are a concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart and skin health.

✓

Heart-Friendly Fats

Kalamata olives and olive oil offer monounsaturated fats that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

✓

Good Source of Calcium

Feta cheese contributes calcium for strong bones and teeth, especially when paired with the vitamin D from shrimp.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat very dry — excess moisture will make the orzo soggy.