Shrimp Orzo Feta Recipe
Meet your new weeknight dinner hero: Shrimp Orzo Feta. This dish is everything I crave in one bubbling skillet—tender shrimp, creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and that irresistible orzo pasta, all lively with bright lemon and fresh herbs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to an impressive solo meal, this recipe brings the sun-soaked charm of the Mediterranean straight to your table, with bold flavors and comforting texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Shrimp Orzo Feta truly shines thanks to its handful of simple but vibrant ingredients. Each component adds a unique layer—from briny shrimp and tangy feta to the fresh pop of parsley—making this Mediterranean skillet satisfying and so easy to pull together.
- Olive oil: Helps everything sizzle and creates a lush base of flavor.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Look for fresh or thawed shrimp, which cook up juicy and perfect in just minutes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole skillet with warm, savory depth—don’t skimp!
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A little kick to wake up all the flavors, add more to your heat preference.
- Orzo pasta (1 cup, dry): These tiny pasta grains soak up all the broth for a rich, creamy texture.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups): Adds savory goodness and keeps the meal light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a peppery hint that keeps each bite interesting.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juicy sweetness balances out the richness of the cheese and shrimp.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, leafy layer and beautiful green color—such a simple way to work in veggies!
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Salty and tangy, feta binds everything together with creamy decadence.
- Lemon (juice of 1/2): Brightens all the layered flavors and cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Fresh parsley or dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): A quick sprinkle for a hit of herbal freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Shrimp Orzo Feta
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating that swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for them to turn pink and just opaque—no tough, chewy seafood, please! Once they’re done, scoop them out and set aside so they stay perfectly tender while you work your magic in the same pan.
Step 2: Infuse the Pan with Garlic and Heat
Keep the lovely shrimp flavor in the skillet as you toss in the minced garlic and, if you love a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until aromatic. The kitchen will already start to smell incredible.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Tip the dry orzo into the pan and stir to coat it in the garlicky oil. Give it a minute or two to toast gently—this step deepens the nutty flavor of the pasta and sets up a craveable texture.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the broth, add your salt and black pepper, then raise the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once you see some bubbling action, reduce to a simmer and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir now and then while the orzo turns creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Wilt Spinach and Tomatoes
Toss in those vibrant cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Let them mingle with the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes—the spinach will wilt and the tomatoes soften just enough to release a sweet juiciness, yet still hold their shape.
Step 6: Bring Shrimp Back, Add Feta and Lemon
Return your cooked shrimp to the pan atop that dreamy bed of orzo. Crumble over the feta cheese, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and gently stir so every bite gets a taste of everything. Watch as the cheese softens into the sauce, creating an irresistibly tangy, creamy finish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Give your Shrimp Orzo Feta a final flourish with a big sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill. The skillet can go right to the table—serve warm and enjoy golden bites of sunshine!
How to Serve Shrimp Orzo Feta
Garnishes
Finish your Shrimp Orzo Feta with an extra crumble of feta and a generous scatter of fresh herbs. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a little lemon zest will add even more brightness. If you love a little heat, keep those red pepper flakes handy at the table!
Side Dishes
Crusty rustic bread is just the ticket for soaking up any last morsels of creamy orzo and lemony sauce. A simply dressed arugula salad or some roasted vegetables on the side will round out your Mediterranean feast without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner, pile Shrimp Orzo Feta high in a beautiful shallow bowl and sprinkle extra herbs right before serving. If you’re entertaining, individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets make for fun, personalized servings—everyone will be so impressed with their own little portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Shrimp Orzo Feta left (no promises!), stash it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making for a super satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While shrimp and pasta don’t usually freeze perfectly, you can freeze Shrimp Orzo Feta if needed. Cool completely and place into freezable containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat, knowing the spinach might lose some texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep everything creamy. If microwaving, do so in short bursts, stirring between each burst for even warming—just don’t overcook the shrimp so it stays succulent.
FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Orzo Feta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the orzo base and shrimp separately up to a day ahead. Store everything in the fridge and stir together just before serving—add a splash of broth when reheating for the creamiest result.
What’s the best substitute for feta if I don’t have any?
Try goat cheese for a similar tangy creaminess, or use crumbled ricotta salata for a lighter, milky flavor. Both will deliver that luscious finish we love in Shrimp Orzo Feta.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the shrimp for a can of drained chickpeas or cubes of extra-firm tofu (pan-seared for flavor). Use vegetable broth, and keep the rest of the process the same for a hearty vegetarian feast.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly in Shrimp Orzo Feta. Just make sure they’re thawed, peeled, and patted dry before cooking so they sear rather than steam.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
With just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, Shrimp Orzo Feta has a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower—feel free to adjust or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you try Shrimp Orzo Feta just once, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again for its punchy Mediterranean flavors and comforting one-pan simplicity. Give it a go and let this incredible dish brighten up your dinner routine!
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Shrimp Orzo Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Orzo Feta recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp, orzo pasta, tangy feta cheese, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to skillet, toast, then pour in broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer until orzo is tender.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach until wilted.
- Combine: Return shrimp to the pan, add feta, lemon juice, and gently mix.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or dill and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp before cooking.
- You can substitute spinach with arugula or kale.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
