Servings
Font
Back
One-Pot Mexican Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini
4.7 from 417 votes

One-Pot Mexican Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini

This recipe combines shrimp, orzo pasta, and zucchini in a single skillet, baked to meld flavors and textures. The shrimp are seasoned simply and added atop a gently simmered orzo cooked with garlic, shallots, and a touch of cinnamon. Ro*Tel diced tomatoes add a mild heat, balanced by lime juice and fresh cilantro, creating a dish with a savory, slightly tangy flavor and tender textures. It's a practical one-pot meal that reduces cleanup and offers a warm, satisfying combination of protein and vegetables.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Shrimp medium, shelled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 4 cloves garlic pressed or minced, divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • ⅓ cup shallot minced
  • 1 ⅓ cup orzo pasta dry
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 ounce diced tomatoes I used RO*TEL, with green chilies and chipotle peppers, canned
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • lime juice juice of 2 limes
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 cups zucchini sliced

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the salt and pepper and 1 clove of pressed garlic and set aside.
  3. In a large, high-sided skillet over medium high heat, melt the butter with the canola oil. Add the minced shallots and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring often so the garlic doesn't burn. Add the dried orzo pasta and continue to cook and stir, until the orzo is golden and smells nutty. Add the chicken broth, water, tomatoes with green chiles, cinnamon, lime juice and cilantro, and cook until the orzo is tender to the bite, about 5-8 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes, then top with the shrimp.
  4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp is done and the orzo is tender.
  5. Sprinkle with more cilantro and another squeeze of lime if you like and serve!