Description
Harissa Shrimp Orzo is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender shrimp with smoky, spicy harissa paste and creamy orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of bold heat, fresh herbs, and comforting textures, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
Harissa Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Orzo and Aromatics
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare your shrimp: Toss peeled and deveined shrimp with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to season them evenly before cooking. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until fragrant and translucent, forming the flavorful base for the harissa sauce.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it lightly, stirring frequently. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the halved cherry tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add harissa and shrimp: Stir in harissa paste thoroughly into the orzo mixture. Nestle the shrimp into the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, absorbing the spicy sauce flavors.
- Finish with fresh flavors: Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving for brightness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Lightly toast orzo before cooking to enhance nuttiness and prevent mushiness.
- Start with less harissa paste and adjust heat gradually to control spice levels.
- Simmer gently over moderate heat to cook shrimp evenly without drying the orzo.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end to elevate freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: harissa shrimp, orzo, spicy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp dinner, Mediterranean shrimp, one-pot meal