Sheet-Pan Shrimp with Orzo
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner! Tender shrimp and juicy cherry tomatoes are roasted to perfection and tossed with whole-wheat orzo, garlic, and lemon for a complete one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and cook the orzo.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the orzo.
TIPReserving pasta water is great for loosening the final dish if it seems too dry.Prepare the tomatoes and garlic.
While the orzo cooks, place the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and spread in an even layer.
Roast the tomatoes.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften and burst.
Season the shrimp.
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the red pepper flakes (if using).
TIPMake sure the shrimp are patted dry before tossing with oil. This helps them roast instead of steam.Add shrimp and finish roasting.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer around the tomatoes.
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
TIPShrimp cook very quickly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.Combine all ingredients.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the drained orzo directly to the pan with the shrimp and tomatoes. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
Serve immediately.
Divide the shrimp and orzo mixture among four bowls and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them get a nice roast rather than steaming in the oven.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Use a large enough sheet pan so the ingredients can spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
- 3For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the pan with the tomatoes before roasting.
- 4Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped zucchini or asparagus along with the shrimp.
- 5A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese just before serving adds a wonderful salty, creamy element.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Substitute the whole-wheat orzo with your favorite gluten-free small pasta, quinoa, or even rice.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the shrimp with a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or 8 ounces of cubed halloumi cheese. Add them to the pan with the tomatoes.
spicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a thinly sliced fresh chili like a jalapeño with the garlic.
healthyHealthy
To boost the vegetable content, add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the pan at the very end and toss until just wilted.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, and provides important minerals like selenium and iodine.
Rich in Fiber
Whole-wheat orzo provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, and garlic contains allicin, both powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this dish is quite healthy. It offers a good balance of lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates and fiber from whole-wheat orzo, and vitamins from the tomatoes and garlic. Using olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
