Tomato and basil may be one of most classic pairings in all of food and made that much better with the addition of mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella, bright tomatoes and herbaceous basil are a delicious combo and the flavors of caprese salad go beyond the appetizer plate. This caprese orzo with shrimp has all the flavors you love, uses just one skillet and is on the dinner table in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?
This time of year my herb garden is overflowing with basil( learn how to grow your own basil at home) and I’m putting it in pretty much everything and it certainly doesn’t hurt that my local farmer’s market is full of tomatoes of every shape, size and color. Basil and tomatoes play well together in the garden as well as on the plate (what grows together goes together) and in post WWI Italy a chef added mozzarella to create a dish to represent the colors of the Italian flag.
I happened to have a bunch of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella along with my backyard basil and some shrimp when trying to figure out what to fix for dinner one night. I’m a huge fan of one skillet dinners; even with Steve doing the dishes (yes, he is the best) I really don’t want to mess up more pots than necessary. Also as a weeknight I didn’t want anything that would take too long.
The missing piece to this dinner puzzle?
Orzo.
What is orzo?
This small rice shaped pasta is fun to say and fun to eat. This pasta is made from durum wheat and orzo translates as “barley” due to its resemblance to the grain. Categorized as a pastina, a collection of tiny shaped pastas, orzo is commonly used in soup but also served like rice or as a base for pasta salads.
How to make One Skillet Caprese Orzo with Shrimp
With it’s small size orzo is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. I start off by sauteing the orzo in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil and garlic to get a bit of a toasty flavor. Add some chicken broth along with a good dose of salt and pepper and let the stove do it’s thing. While the orzo is cooking you can prep the cherry tomatoes, basil and mozzarella ( I like to use ciliegine, or small balls of fresh mozzarella) as well as the shrimp (peeled and deveined shrimp is a huge timesaver for this dish). When most (but not all) of the broth has been absorbed add the shrimp, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Once everything is cooked sprinkle with fresh basil, pour a glass of your favorite pinot grigio and, even though it’s a Wednesday in the middle of a crazy work week, imagine yourself on the Isle of Capri.
If you like this recipe for Caprese Orzo with Shrimp be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Risotto with Shrimp and Asaparagus
Quick and Healthy White Chicken Chili
Creamy Polenta with Lemon Shrimp and Asparagus
Greek Lamb Burgers with Feta Mint Sauce
Southwestern Chicken and Quinoa Skillet
If you make this One Skillet Caprese Orzo with Shrimp please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Caprese Orzo with Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 8 oz package of fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn or sliced
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add orzo and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Add chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until 3/4 of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add tomatoes, mozzarella and shrimp. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Top with fresh basil.
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Jeff Albom says
This recipe is fabulous and so easy. I had all the ingredients so it made for a quick lunch.
Erin says
Tomato and basil are the quintessential summer pairing, and this addition of orzo and shrimp make it the perfect summer meal! Yum! Delicious recipe!
Lillie says
Fancy-looking, delicious dinner in under 30 minutes?! YESSS!
Christina Johnson says
This dish was amazing! So fresh and delicious. Easy to make with most ingredients on hand. Perfect for a fancy dinner or a quick one pot wonder. Definitely in my new weeknight rotation.
Brianna says
I’m thrilled you liked it! I’m all about some one pot dinners
Barb says
Wow, so easy and so delicious! I decided to eat leftovers for breakfast the next day 🙂 Will definitely be adding this to my regular rotation.
Brianna Simmons says
Barb, I’m thrilled you liked this recipe! Glad to see it passed the leftovers for breakfast test 🙂