One-Pot Mexican Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini

One-pot Mexican shrimp with orzo and zucchini is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for weeknights. The dish is made with tender shrimp, orzo pasta, zucchini, and a variety of spices and seasonings that give it a delicious Mexican-inspired flavor. The recipe is also versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences, such as substituting the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

To make this one-pot meal, start by sautéing garlic and onion in a large skillet until softened. Add the orzo and stir to toast it before adding the zucchini and shrimp. Season with chili powder, cumin, and other spices before pouring in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer until the orzo is tender and the shrimp is cooked through. Top with shredded cheese and cilantro before serving for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a new favorite.

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this one-pot Mexican shrimp with orzo and zucchini! This flavorful and nutritious dish is perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a weekend gathering with loved ones. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making this delicious recipe, as well as some tips and tricks to make it even better.

Ingredients:

Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium-sized zucchini, diced
1 cup of orzo pasta
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect one-pot Mexican shrimp with orzo and zucchini:

Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the orzo becomes lightly toasted and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine with the orzo. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini and Broth
Add the diced zucchini to the pot and stir to combine with the orzo and spices. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and stir to combine with the orzo, zucchini, and broth. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 6: Simmer
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked and the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure that the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Add Cilantro and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the one-pot Mexican shrimp with orzo and zucchini with lime wedges on the side.

Tips:

Here are some tips and tricks to make this recipe even better:

You can use any type of broth you prefer, but we recommend using chicken or vegetable broth for the best flavor. Make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking for the best texture and flavor. You can adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. For a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this one-pot Mexican shrimp with orzo and zucchini recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will surely impress your family and friends. With a flavorful blend of spices, tender shrimp, and nutritious zucchini, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, the one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze!

We hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to try out some of our other delicious recipes!