Saffron-Infused Shrimp Orzo with Artichokes

Saffron-Infused Shrimp Orzo with Artichokes

Mia

This stunning Mediterranean dish brings together the luxurious flavor of saffron with succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and tangy marinated artichokes in one beautiful pan. The saffron threads infuse the entire dish with their distinctive golden color and delicate floral notes, creating a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of briny seafood, al dente pasta, and the bright acidity of lemon.

Rooted in the coastal traditions of Greece and Italy, this recipe celebrates the Mediterranean philosophy of using quality ingredients prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine. Saffron, one of the world's most precious spices, has been treasured throughout the Mediterranean for centuries, and here it transforms humble orzo into something truly special. The addition of marinated artichoke hearts adds depth and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly.

What makes this dish particularly appealing is its elegant simplicity and quick preparation time. Despite its sophisticated appearance and complex flavors, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special or for entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, while the golden saffron hue and vibrant garnishes create a visually stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

This recipe embodies the heart-healthy principles of the Mediterranean diet, featuring lean protein from shrimp, whole grains from orzo, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of fresh herbs and citrus. It's a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul, delivering the authentic flavors of the Greek islands right to your dinner table.

Nutrition

35 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

1/4 tspsaffron threads
2 1/2 cupslow-sodium chicken or seafood broth, warmed
1 1/2 cupsorzo pasta
3 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 lblarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 Nonegarlic cloves, minced
1 mediumshallot, finely diced
1 cupmarinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/3 cupdry white wine
1 largelemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cupfresh parsley, chopped
2 tbspfresh dill, chopped
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional)
1/3 cupcrumbled feta cheese (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
wooden spoon or spatula
paper towels
chef's knife
serving bowls
zester or microplane
measuring cups and spoons
large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
small bowl for saffron

16:8 Diet

This complete, balanced meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing substantial protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from orzo, healthy fats from olive oil, and vegetables to support satiety and sustained energy. The nutrient-dense whole food ingredients help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with the majority of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods including shrimp, whole grain orzo, artichokes, fresh herbs, and olive oil, while the small amount of feta cheese and white wine represent the flexible 20% that adds flavor and enjoyment without compromising nutritional quality.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh shrimp, whole grain orzo, real vegetables (artichokes), fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or highly processed components.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe fits flexible dieting perfectly with its balance of lean protein, whole grain carbohydrates, and healthy fats from nutrient-dense whole food sources. The ingredients are easy to measure and track, demonstrating how delicious, restaurant-quality meals can fit into a flexible approach to nutrition.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe fits the Flexitarian approach by featuring seafood as a lighter animal protein option alongside plant-based ingredients like artichokes, fresh herbs, and whole grain orzo. The emphasis on whole, minimally processed ingredients with abundant vegetables and healthy olive oil makes this a balanced, primarily plant-forward meal with seafood as a supporting protein.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe can be made gluten-free by simply substituting the orzo pasta with a gluten-free orzo or rice alternative. All other ingredients—shrimp, olive oil, artichokes, herbs, spices, feta, lemon, and broth—are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation for those avoiding gluten.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is excellent for heart health with lean protein from shrimp, heart-healthy olive oil, whole grain orzo, and minimal saturated fat. The dish is naturally low in sodium when using low-sodium broth, avoids fried preparation methods, and includes omega-3 rich seafood and anti-inflammatory herbs that support cardiovascular wellness.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This recipe is suitable for IIFYM/flexible dieting as it provides a balanced macronutrient profile with lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from orzo, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta. The use of whole, nutrient-dense ingredients makes it easy to track and fit into daily macro targets while providing satisfying portions.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense recipe is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing high-quality lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from orzo, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of vegetables and herbs. The balanced macronutrients and whole food ingredients help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, balanced meal that honors both taste and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The combination of textures, flavors, and colors creates a pleasurable eating experience while naturally providing protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables in a way that nourishes both body and soul.

Macro Diet

This balanced recipe works well for macro tracking with clearly measurable portions of protein (shrimp), carbohydrates (orzo), and fats (olive oil, feta). The whole food ingredients and substantial portions provide good satiety while being easy to log and adjust to meet individual macronutrient goals.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe aligns with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing lean protein from shrimp, whole grain orzo, vegetables (artichokes), and healthy fats from olive oil in moderate amounts. The dish avoids processed foods, refined grains, and excessive saturated fats while providing a nutrient-dense, balanced meal with appropriate portions.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that perfectly embodies the diet's principles with extra virgin olive oil, seafood (shrimp), whole grain orzo, abundant vegetables (artichokes), fresh herbs (parsley, dill), and heart-healthy ingredients. The use of lemon, garlic, and minimal salt for flavoring, combined with the inclusion of feta cheese in moderation, makes this an authentic Mediterranean meal that supports cardiovascular health.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet principles by featuring seafood (shrimp), olive oil as the primary fat, vegetables (artichokes), whole grain orzo, and abundant leafy herbs. The dish avoids butter, red meat, and fried foods while emphasizing anti-inflammatory ingredients that support cognitive function.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its stunning visual appeal (golden saffron color), varied textures (tender shrimp, al dente orzo, tangy artichokes), and complex aromatic profile from saffron, fresh herbs, and lemon. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and beautiful presentation encourage slow, sensory-focused consumption and appreciation of each element.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean protein from shrimp, using minimal added fats (just 3 tablespoons olive oil for the entire dish), incorporating vegetables (artichokes), and avoiding processed foods and heavy creams. The whole grain orzo provides complex carbohydrates while the dish remains satisfying and flavorful through herbs, lemon, and spices rather than excessive fats.

Instructions

1

Add the saffron threads to the warmed broth in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir gently and let steep for 10 minutes to release the color and flavor.

10 min
2

While the saffron steeps, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2 min
3
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4
4 min

Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.

5
2 min

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the diced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes.

6
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

7
2 min

Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

8
1 min

Add the orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and wine mixture, toasting lightly for 1 minute.

9
2 min

Pour in the saffron-infused broth and add the red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

10
12 min

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Add a splash more broth if needed.

11
2 min

Stir in the quartered artichoke hearts and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

12

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute.

1 min
13

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

14

Serve immediately in shallow bowls, garnished with crumbled feta cheese if desired and additional fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions