This Mediterranean Seafood Orzo is light, elegant, and bursting with fresh coastal flavors. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with juicy shrimp, briny mussels, and delicate calamari in a garlicky olive oil sauce, then finished with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a bright squeeze of lemon. Every bite tastes like a seaside dinner along the Mediterranean coast, combining fresh seafood with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with fresh Mediterranean seafood
Light yet incredibly satisfying
Bright lemon and garlic flavors
Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners
Ready in under 40 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta
250g (9 oz) orzo pasta
Salt, for boiling water
Seafood
200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
200g mussels, cleaned and debearded
150g calamari, sliced into rings
Mediterranean Sauce
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Finish
1 lemon, juiced
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the orzo according to package instructions until tender.
Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Seafood
Add shrimp and calamari to the skillet.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp begin turning pink.
Add mussels, cover with a lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the mussels open.
Discard any mussels that remain closed.
- Add the Tomatoes
Stir in cherry tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and release their juices.
- Combine Everything
Add the cooked orzo to the skillet.
Gently toss everything together until evenly combined and coated in the flavorful olive oil sauce.
- Finish & Serve
Remove from heat.
Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley.
Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
Add scallops for an even more luxurious dish
Use saffron for authentic Mediterranean flavor
Add spinach or arugula for extra freshness
Substitute clams for mussels if preferred
Finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist
What to Serve With Mediterranean Seafood Orzo
Greek salad
Grilled vegetables
Warm crusty bread
Garlic focaccia
Cucumber and tomato salad
Quick Info
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean Coastal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
How do I know when mussels are cooked?
They should open during cooking. Discard any that remain closed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
What can I substitute for orzo?
Pearl couscous, small pasta shapes, or even rice work well.
