Sheet-Pan Shrimp with Orzo
Juicy roasted shrimp and tender orzo pasta come together on a single sheet pan for an incredibly easy weeknight dinner. Cherry tomatoes burst into a light sauce while feta adds creamy, tangy bites throughout. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the pan.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it with a drizzle of olive oil.
- boil · ~5 min
Parboil the orzo pasta.
1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add the orzo and cook for 4 minutes less than package directions (about 5 minutes total).3.Drain well and set aside.TIPUndercooking the orzo is key — it will finish absorbing liquid in the oven and stay perfectly al dente. - mix · ~3 min
Toss the vegetables with seasoning.
1.On the prepared sheet pan, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and sliced red onion.2.Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the minced garlic, half the oregano, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.3.Toss everything together until evenly coated, then spread into a single layer. - bake · ~10 min
Roast the vegetables.
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 10 minutes. They should be slightly softened and the tomatoes beginning to burst.
- mix · ~2 min
Season the shrimp.
While the vegetables roast, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, remaining garlic, remaining oregano, and lemon juice.
TIPDry shrimp sear and roast better. Don't skip patting them dry. - assemble · ~2 min
Add orzo and shrimp to the pan.
1.Remove the sheet pan from the oven.2.Scatter the parboiled orzo over the roasted vegetables and gently toss to combine with the pan juices.3.Nestle the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on top of the orzo mixture. - bake · ~9 min
Bake until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque, pink, and curled into a loose 'C' shape. The orzo will have absorbed the flavors from the tomatoes and shrimp.
TIPWatch the shrimp closely — they go from perfect to rubbery in under a minute. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish with feta and fresh parsley.
1.Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top.2.Scatter the chopped parsley generously over everything.3.Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top just before serving.TIPThe residual heat gently softens the feta without melting it completely, keeping those creamy bites intact.
What to keep in mind.
6 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 to ensure they roast instead of steam.
- 2Cook the orzo 4 minutes less than package directions so it finishes cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
- 3Watch the shrimp closely during the final bake — they are done when opaque and curled into a loose 'C' shape.
- 4Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the sheet pan to promote even roasting and caramelization.
- 5Add the feta cheese right after baking so the residual heat softens it without melting it completely.
- 6For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh parsley rather than bottled or dried.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon total and use a nonstick or parchment-lined sheet pan. This cuts calories while still getting tender shrimp and vegetables.
high proteinHigh-protein
Swap the orzo for 1.5 cups cooked quinoa or farro and add an extra 200g of shrimp. Perfect for post-workout meals with more protein and fiber.
jainJain
Omit garlic and onion; use asafoetida (hing) for flavor and replace feta with a dairy-free crumbled tofu. This version is suitable for Jain dietary restrictions.
veganVegan
Replace shrimp with 400g firm tofu (cubed) and use vegan feta or omit cheese. Toss tofu with the same seasonings for a plant-based protein option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
Packed with Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and lycopene, which help combat oxidative stress.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil and feta cheese supply monounsaturated fats and calcium, supporting cardiovascular health.
Good Source of Iron
Shrimp and parsley contribute dietary iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the fridge overnight, then pat very dry to avoid excess water in the pan.
