One-Pot Orzo with Shrimp
For those Friday nights when you’re not feeling takeout but you're really not in the mood to cook, this one-pot shrimp pasta dish is a lifesaver. It’s super simple: barely any chopping, just mixing pantry staples and frozen shrimp into an Anyday dish. Pop it in the microwave, cook it at a lower power level to gently heat everything through, and that’s it. Perfect for chilling on the couch and unwinding without the fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you've got everything together, effortlessly.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Extra Large Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoons chili flakes
- 18 frozen or fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1½ cup (240g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cup (270g) orzo pasta
- 2½ cup (500ml) chicken stock or water
- ¾ cup (95g) crumbled feta, plus more topping
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh baby arugula (Optional)
Preparation
- Add the garlic, olive oil, oregano, chili flakes, shrimp, salt, and pepper to the Deep Dish and toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave at Power Level 6tooltip for 15 minutes, or until the pasta and shrimp are cooked and the liquids are fully absorbed.
- Stir in some crumbled feta cheese and top with fresh arugula for color and freshness.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Try this recipe with diced chicken or tofu for a seafood-free dish.
- If orzo is not available, try this dish with any small pasta like ditalini or macaroni.
- Swap the feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier alternative.
- Add frozen sliced peppers with the shrimp.
Recipe notes
- Marinating the shrimp overnight will result in a more flavorful dish!
- Use frozen shrimp in this recipe! Since we’re cooking this dish at a lower power level, there’s no need to defrost the shrimp before cooking.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making One-Pot Orzo with Shrimp in the Microwave
Can you make one-pot meals in the microwave?
Yes, you can! Actually, the microwave is the perfect appliance for cooking one-dish recipes. Using an Anyday dish removes the need to boil the water before cooking the pasta for this recipe, making it the ultimate one-pot and one-button recipe.
Why do I need to lower the power level for this recipe?
Lowering the power level for this recipe helps to ensure that the orzo and shrimp cook evenly without overcooking or drying out. It also prevents the starches in the cooking liquid from bubbling over. A gentler cooking process allows the flavors to develop more thoroughly and prevents the ingredients from becoming tough or rubbery.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp instead of frozen shrimp in this recipe, just make sure the shrimp is cleaned and peeled. There is no need to adjust cook time, the power level reduction will prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery.
How long will leftovers of One-Pot Orzo with Shrimp last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers of One-Pot Orzo with Shrimp can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an Anyday dish with the lid on. To reheat, cook for 1- 4 minutes at full power depending on serving size, or until heated through.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish for later use?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this dish for later use. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to the Anytime Freezer Trays and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What's the best way to reheat One-pot Orzo with Shrimp?
The best way to reheat One-Pot Orzo with Shrimp is to place it in the microwave. To reheat, simply cook for 1- 4 minutes at full power depending on serving size, or until heated through.
Can I substitute the orzo pasta with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute orzo pasta with another type of pasta such as small elbows, shells, ditalini, or even orecchiette. Just be mindful of the cooking time of different pasta shapes, so add 1-4 more minutes at the same power level if needed.
