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
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
Instructions
- Gently caramelize diced onions in a large skillet until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer atop the partially cooked orzo mixture, allowing them to nestle gently into the creamy base.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and delicate avocado slices to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- 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