Hey there, my friend 👋. You’re about to make the most delicious shrimp and feta orzo dish ever. This one is creamy, tangy, and packed with juicy shrimp. The secret? A touch of lemon juice and just the right balance of garlic and herbs to make everything pop.
And guess what? It all comes together in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you. Let’s get into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
- Cheese grater (if using a block of feta)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12 depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 450 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Best for Spring and Summer
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diets: Pescatarian, Mediterranean Diet
How to Make Shrimp and Feta Orzo
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth or seafood broth
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Orzo pasta | Small pasta like ditalini or couscous |
| Olive oil | Butter or vegetable oil |
| Shrimp | Chicken, scallops, or tofu |
| Diced tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes (chopped) |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or seafood stock |
| Feta cheese | Goat cheese or ricotta |
| Fresh parsley | Basil or cilantro |
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked orzo back to the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and mix everything together. Let it heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the dish and top with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them first.
- Do not overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes or they will turn rubbery.
- If you like a creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the feta.
- Make sure to zest the lemon before cutting it for juice. It’s easier that way.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of white wine.
What to Serve with Shrimp and Feta Orzo
This dish is already filling, but you can pair it with:
- A side of garlic bread
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve this orzo in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra feta on top. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating makes all the flavors stand out.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is a great dish for a summer dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or a casual dinner party. It’s also perfect for meal prepping since it tastes just as good the next day.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If it sits out longer, transfer it to the fridge.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the orzo.
Freezing
- Not recommended. Orzo can become mushy, and feta cheese changes texture when frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but stick to small pasta shapes like ditalini or even pearl couscous. Large pasta shapes won’t work as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the orzo and prepare the tomato sauce in advance. When ready to eat, just heat everything together and add the shrimp and feta.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The red pepper flakes add a little kick, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end, just long enough to warm through. Otherwise, they’ll get overcooked and chewy.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still be delicious with all the other flavors.
Meta Description
Shrimp and feta orzo recipe is a quick and tasty Mediterranean dish made in one pan. Juicy shrimp, creamy feta, and lemony orzo make it irresistible.