Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp (Print)
Orzo tossed with lemon, feta, shrimp, spinach and cherry tomatoes for a bright, easy Mediterranean main.
# Ingredient list:
→ Protein & Dairy
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
→ Pasta
03 - 12 oz orzo pasta
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
04 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Pantry & Seasoning
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
02 - While the orzo cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for about 1 minute until just wilted.
05 - Add the drained orzo to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, half of the crumbled feta, and the reserved pasta water. Toss well until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
06 - Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to combine with the orzo mixture.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with the remaining feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy feta melts just enough to coat every strand of orzo without needing heavy sauce.
- It comes together in the time it takes to open a bottle of wine and set the table.
- Shrimp and lemon are the kind of pairing that makes people think you tried harder than you actually did.
02 -
- Do not walk away from the garlic in the skillet because it can burn in the time it takes to check your phone and burnt garlic will make the whole dish bitter.
- Saving that pasta water is not optional because it is the magic ingredient that transforms loose ingredients into a cohesive creamy dish.
03 -
- Reserve a little extra pasta water than you think you need because you can always add more but you cannot take it away once the dish gets soupy.
- Crumble the feta with your fingers rather than grating it because those irregular chunks create little pockets of salty creaminess throughout the dish.