Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp (Printable)
A vibrant Mediterranean dish with tender shrimp, zesty lemon, creamy feta, and delicate orzo for a refreshing meal.
# What You'll 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, roughly 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 thoroughly, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
02 - While orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. Remove shrimp and set aside on a plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes until just beginning to soften.
05 - Add chopped spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir constantly until spinach is wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
06 - Return cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine all ingredients. Heat through for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped parsley over the top. Toss gently once more and serve while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but effortless
- Every bite hits that perfect balance of tangy lemon, salty feta, and tender shrimp that just screams summer dinner
02 -
- The feta will melt slightly into the warm pasta and create these creamy little pockets that are absolutely addictive
- Dont skip the lemon zest—it packs way more aromatic punch than just the juice alone
03 -
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking—they will sear instead of steam
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining to loosen everything if it gets too thick