Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp (Printable)
Tender shrimp with zesty lemon, creamy feta, and orzo create this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt for pasta water
→ Shrimp
04 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
12 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Cheese
14 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until spinach wilts.
05 - Return cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta and parsley, toss again, and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The entire meal comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when takeout feels tempting but you want something real
- Every bite balances bright lemon, creamy feta, and tender shrimp in a way that makes you feel like you're eating at a seaside taverna
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and sad, so pull them from the heat the moment they turn pink throughout
- The pasta water should taste like the sea, this is your only chance to season the orzo itself
03 -
- Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking, this ensures they sear rather than steam
- Room temperature ingredients help the dish come together faster and cook more evenly