Zesty Lemon Feta Orzo with Succulent Shrimp
This Zesty Lemon Feta Orzo with Succulent Shrimp recipe combines bright, tangy lemon flavors with creamy feta and juicy shrimp tossed in perfectly cooked orzo for a quick, fresh, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free orzo or quinoa substituted)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 12 oz fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Combine Orzo and Shrimp: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir to combine, loosening the mixture with some reserved pasta water if it seems dry.
- Add Lemon and Feta: Off the heat, stir in fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavors. Fold in crumbled feta cheese so it slightly softens but retains its texture.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the dish just before serving for a burst of color and fresh taste.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the orzo without watering down the dish.
- Choose a good quality crumbly feta cheese for the best texture.
- Add chili flakes gradually to customize the heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: lemon feta orzo, shrimp orzo, quick seafood pasta, Mediterranean shrimp, lemon feta pasta, easy dinner, healthy seafood dish