The Best Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe Ever

Mexican-spiced shrimp orzo skillet brings zesty flavors and quick comfort to your dinner table.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a single pan, creating magic with minimal effort.

Succulent seafood mingles with delicate pasta, enhanceing ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Warm spices awaken your palate with complex, robust layers of taste and texture.

Fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes elevate this simple dish beyond expectations.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of coastal and southwestern culinary traditions.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that feels like a gourmet experience.

What Makes This Shrimp and Orzo Skillet So Bold

• Savor Quick and Vibrant Flavors: This Mexican-spiced shrimp and orzo skillet delivers bold, zesty tastes that transport your taste buds to a sunny coastal kitchen with its perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Simplify your cooking process with this easy-to-prepare meal that combines protein, grains, and veggies in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.
• Enjoy Nutritional Balance: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and healthy fats from avocado, this dish provides a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger and nutritional needs in under 30 minutes.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins or adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or casual gatherings with friends.

What Goes Into This Mexican-Spiced One-Pan Wonder

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp that cooks quickly and absorbs Mexican spice flavors well. Look for large or jumbo size for best texture.
• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy base for the dish. Choose high-quality pasta for best results.
• Queso Fresco: Mild Mexican cheese that adds crumbly texture and fresh flavor. Provides a cool contrast to spicy shrimp.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth in the skillet. Fresh onions and garlic provide better taste than pre-chopped versions.
• Tomatoes: Adds moisture and acidity to the dish. Fresh or canned tomatoes work well.
• Broth, Milk: Creates creamy texture and helps cook orzo. Chicken or vegetable broth recommended.
• Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Avocado: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and additional layers of flavor. Use ripe avocados for best results.
• Mexican Spices: Blend of spices that gives the dish authentic Mexican character. Can include chili powder, cumin, paprika.

How to Cook It Up with Heat and Comfort

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

Chop onions and sauté in a large skillet until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and orzo, stirring to coat with oils and develop a rich aroma.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Mexican-inspired seasonings

Pour liquid mixture into skillet, bringing to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo becomes creamy and almost tender.

Step 2: Season and Add Shrimp

Toss shrimp with zesty Mexican spice blend, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Gently place seasoned shrimp on top of the orzo mixture.

Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the shrimp for added tangy flavor.

Step 3: Finish Cooking and Garnish

Cover skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and orzo reaches perfect tenderness.

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Creamy avocado slices

Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a vibrant and delicious meal that captures authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.

Tips for Perfectly Balanced Shrimp and Orzo

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose large, deveined shrimp for quick cooking and best texture, ensuring they're plump and have a mild ocean scent.
• Control Liquid Ratios: Stir frequently while simmering orzo to prevent sticking and achieve creamy consistency without becoming too dry or soupy.
• Toast Spices Briefly: Quickly bloom Mexican spices in hot pan before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Watch carefully during final 5-7 minutes, removing skillet from heat the moment shrimp turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Customize Toppings Wisely: Add fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and avocado just before serving to maintain vibrant colors and bright, fresh taste.

Save the Spice – Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Mexican-spiced shrimp and orzo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully separate shrimp and orzo to prevent overcrowding, which can make the dish soggy. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness and restore creamy consistency. Stir occasionally and heat until the shrimp and orzo are warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Great Sides for a Spicy Shrimp Dinner

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: A classic lime margarita complements the Mexican-spiced shrimp with its tangy brightness and subtle tequila warmth, cutting through the creamy orzo and enhancing the dish's vibrant flavors.
• Crisp Mexican Lager Refreshment: A light, cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona provides a clean, refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp, cleansing the palate between bites of the rich, creamy skillet.
• Serve with Citrus-Cucumber Salad: A light, zingy side salad with fresh cucumber, orange segments, and a lime vinaigrette adds a cool, refreshing element that balances the warm spices and creamy texture of the main dish.
• Match with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, acidic white wine with herbal notes perfectly complements the seafood and cuts through the richness of the orzo, creating a harmonious and refreshing dining experience.

Exciting Variations with a Southwestern Twist

• Spicy Southwest Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with blackened white fish for a robust protein swap while maintaining the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Coastal Remix: Substitute shrimp with calamari and add kalamata olives, swap queso fresco for feta cheese, and incorporate oregano instead of traditional Mexican spices.
• Vegetarian Harvest Skillet: Swap seafood with roasted poblano peppers, black beans, and grilled corn kernels to create a plant-based version that keeps the creamy orzo base and zesty seasonings.
• Creamy Cajun Seafood Edition: Transform the recipe by using Cajun seasoning blend, adding andouille sausage chunks, and incorporating bell peppers for a Louisiana-style interpretation of the original skillet meal.

Mexican-Spiced Shrimp and Orzo Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Mexican-spiced shrimp dance atop delicate orzo in this quick, one-pan wonder. Cilantro, lime, and smoky spices create a sensational meal that whisks you straight to coastal Mexico with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (26 to 30 per pound), thawed if frozen
• 2 ounces (57 grams) queso fresco cheese, crumbled (½ cup)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (270 grams) dried orzo pasta
• 2 teaspoons Mexican seasoning blend
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
• Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges and avocado slices, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently caramelize diced onions in a large skillet until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Add minced garlic and raw orzo to the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and allow the pasta to lightly toast and develop a nutty aroma.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth (473 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces), whole milk (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces), and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices including chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
4. Raise heat to create a rapid simmer, ensuring constant stirring to prevent orzo from clumping or burning, and cook until the liquid begins to reduce and the pasta becomes creamy and nearly tender.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the shrimp by coating them with a robust seasoning mix of chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
6. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer atop the partially cooked orzo mixture, allowing them to nestle gently into the creamy base.
7. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco cheese over the shrimp and cover the skillet, allowing the shrimp to steam and cook through until they turn completely pink and opaque, approximately 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and delicate avocado slices to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
9. Serve the skillet immediately while hot, ensuring each portion includes shrimp, orzo, and a variety of garnishes.

Notes

• Prepping shrimp ahead saves time during busy weeknight cooking adventures.
• Mexican spice blend can be mixed and stored in advance for quick meal preparation.
• Queso fresco adds a creamy, tangy texture that perfectly complements the spicy shrimp.
• Fresh cilantro and lime bring bright, zesty flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Substitute seafood with chicken or tofu for flexible meal planning options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 190mg