Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp (Print)
A bright, satisfying Mediterranean bowl with shrimp, lemon, feta, and orzo ready in 30 minutes.
# 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:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
02 - While the 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 crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
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 continuously until spinach wilts completely, about 1–2 minutes.
06 - Return cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine all ingredients. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top. Toss gently once more and serve while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan so cleanup takes literally two minutes
- The shrimp stay tender and the orzo soaks up all those bright Mediterranean flavors
- It looks impressive enough for company but comes together faster than delivery
02 -
- Do not overcook the shrimp or they will turn rubbery and sad
- Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining in case the orzo needs moisture
- Add the feta at the very end so it stays creamy in spots rather than disappearing completely
03 -
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, the zest releases more oils when it hits the warm pan
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking or they will steam instead of sear