One-Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake
This One-Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake is a fresh, vibrant meal that brings together tender shrimp, creamy orzo, juicy tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta cheese in one easy dish. Infused with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs, it’s a wholesome dinner that’s both comforting and light.
Best of all, everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality flavor in about 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Ready in about 40 minutes
Mediterranean diet friendly
High in lean protein
Fresh, bright flavors
Perfect for weeknight dinners
Great for meal prep
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
2½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving
Kitchen Equipment
Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
If using a baking dish, lightly grease it with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Orzo Base
In the skillet or baking dish, combine:
Uncooked orzo
Garlic
Cherry tomatoes
Broth
Olive oil
Oregano
Smoked paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Cover tightly with foil or a lid.
Step 3: Bake the Orzo
Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the orzo to absorb most of the liquid while becoming tender.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Remove the pan from the oven and stir the orzo.
Mix in the baby spinach until it starts to wilt.
Arrange the shrimp evenly over the top.
Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and fully cooked.
Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they’re done as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a gentle “C” shape.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven.
Sprinkle with:
Crumbled feta cheese
Kalamata olives
Lemon zest
Fresh lemon juice
Chopped parsley
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Expert Tips
Use Fresh or Fully Thawed Shrimp
Pat thawed shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Stir Before Adding Shrimp
Mixing the orzo halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Add Feta After Baking
This keeps the cheese creamy and prevents it from completely melting into the dish.
Brighten with Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the Mediterranean flavors and balance the richness of the feta.
Delicious Variations
Add More Vegetables
Include chopped zucchini, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts before baking.
Spicy Mediterranean Bake
Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Chicken Orzo Bake
Substitute diced chicken breast for the shrimp and bake until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Whole Wheat Orzo
Use whole wheat orzo for extra fiber. You may need a few extra tablespoons of broth and a slightly longer baking time.
What to Serve with One-Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake
Complete the meal with:
Greek salad
Roasted asparagus
Garlic green beans
Warm whole wheat pita
Tzatziki
Cucumber and tomato salad
Roasted broccoli
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
The orzo freezes well, but shrimp may become slightly firmer after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy within a few days of cooking.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving provides:
Lean protein from shrimp
Complex carbohydrates from orzo
Fiber from spinach and tomatoes
Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil
Calcium from feta cheese
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables
Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the dish.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the orzo base in advance and refrigerate it. Add the shrimp just before baking to keep them tender.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Orzo works best because it cooks evenly with the liquid. Small pasta shapes like ditalini may also work, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid and baking time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese or use your preferred dairy-free alternative.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator and makes an excellent lunch or dinner for the next few days.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Bake is an easy, flavorful dinner that combines juicy shrimp, tender orzo, sweet tomatoes, fresh spinach, briny olives, and creamy feta in one satisfying dish. With bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and minimal cleanup, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Pair it with a crisp Greek salad and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast that’s fresh, nourishing, and sure to impress. 🍤🍋🍅🫒🧀🍽️
