Sheet-Pan Shrimp and Orzo
A quick, flavorful one-pan meal with juicy shrimp, burst cherry tomatoes, and tender orzo, all tossed in a lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner ready in under 35 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the tomato base.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large, rimmed baking sheet, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
TIPUse a large enough sheet pan to avoid overcrowding, which ensures the tomatoes roast instead of steam.Roast the tomatoes.
Spread the tomato mixture in an even layer and roast for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and just beginning to burst.
Add orzo and hot water.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Pour the dry orzo and hot water onto the pan. Stir well to combine with the tomatoes and their juices, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cook the orzo.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is nearly al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Give it a stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
Prepare the shrimp.
While the orzo is baking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Cook the shrimp.
Remove the pan from the oven. Quickly scatter the seasoned shrimp in a single layer over the orzo and tomatoes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
TIPWatch the shrimp closely as they cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become tough.Finish with lemon and parsley.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Immediately squeeze the juice of the lemon over the entire dish. Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley.
Serve immediately.
Give everything a final stir to combine the flavors. Divide among four bowls and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy orzo cooking water and add it to the pan at the end to help create a light sauce.
- 2Don't crowd the pan. Use a large enough sheet pan to ensure the shrimp and tomatoes roast properly in a single layer.
- 3If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, added with the oregano.
- 4This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Substitute the whole-wheat orzo with a gluten-free short pasta like rice-based orzo or small shells. Adjust cooking time as per package directions.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the orzo for a plant-based protein source.
spicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh chili like a serrano with the garlic.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the shrimp to 2 lbs to boost the protein content per serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked cherry tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
High in Fiber
Whole-wheat orzo provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a well-balanced meal. It provides lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates and fiber from whole-grain orzo, and vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and lemon. Using olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
