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4.7 from 417 votes

One-Pot Mexican Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini

This easy shrimp, zucchini, and orzo pasta recipe straddles the line between a one-pot pasta and a 30-minute dinner.

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

Ingredients

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

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!