Greek Shrimp Giouvetsi with Orzo – A Quick and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
Enjoy this vibrant Greek-inspired shrimp giouvetsi featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant shrimp broth with orzo pasta, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick, elegant dinner that captures the essence of Greek coastal cuisine.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 40 min
🍽️ Servings: 3
🥄 Ingredients
- 25 raw shrimp with shells (approx. 450 g)
- 200 g orzo pasta
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ¼ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 50 ml dry white wine
- 80 ml Greek-style tomato sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- A pinch ground anise (or 1–2 tbsp ouzo)
- 2 sprigs dill
- 2 sprigs tarragon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp Broth:
Remove shrimp heads and shells; set peeled shrimp aside for step 2. Rinse shrimp shells and heads under cold water. Place them in a pot with the bay leaf, a pinch of salt, and 700 ml water. Simmer over medium heat for 25 minutes to create a flavorful shrimp broth. Strain and reserve the broth. - Cook Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a wide pot (22–25 cm diameter). Sauté peeled shrimp just until they turn pink on both sides. Remove shrimp and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the same pot and cook over low heat until softened. - Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine and simmer over medium heat until nearly evaporated. - Add Tomato Sauce and Broth:
Stir in tomato sauce, ground anise (or ouzo), and 500 ml of the prepared shrimp broth. Season with salt and black pepper. - Cook Orzo:
Add orzo and shake the pot gently to spread it evenly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Shake the pot 2 times during cooking to prevent sticking. - Finish Cooking:
After 15 minutes, the orzo should be tender with some sauce remaining. Remove the lid and let it simmer gently while preparing the next steps. - Add Herbs and Shrimp:
Chop dill and tarragon, reserving a little for garnish. Stir most of the herbs into the orzo mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve:
Arrange cooked shrimp on top, sprinkle remaining herbs, cover, and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- Save leftover shrimp broth to reheat the dish later, adding a splash while warming to keep the orzo moist.
- Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic impact.
- Be gentle when stirring or shaking to avoid breaking the orzo.
🎉 Perfect For
- Quick Mediterranean dinners
- Seafood lovers looking for a light yet flavorful meal
- Elegant weeknight entertaining
📝 Final Thoughts
This Greek shrimp giouvetsi combines the rich flavors of homemade shrimp broth with tender orzo and fresh herbs, creating a comforting and sophisticated dish. Easy to prepare yet impressive, it’s a perfect way to enjoy seafood with a Mediterranean twist.