Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta Recipe
This Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a bright lemony feta finish. The orzo is toasted and simmered in chicken stock to develop a rich, creamy texture without cream, while the shrimp is marinated and seared to juicy perfection, creating a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and makes for a delightful dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Toast Orzo: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the orzo pasta and toast it, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, until it turns a lovely golden color, which develops a nutty flavor.
- Cook Orzo with Garlic and Stock: Add the minced garlic to the toasted orzo and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Sear Shrimp: While the orzo is cooking, heat a separate pan over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Sear the marinated shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine and Finish: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Add the cooked shrimp to the orzo mixture, then fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. If needed, add a splash of broth to loosen the consistency to your liking. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp with baking soda helps to tenderize them and gives a better texture.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and enhance flavor.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang but can be substituted with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- To keep it gluten free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
Keywords: Shrimp Orzo, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Lemon Feta Orzo, Mediterranean Shrimp Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipes
