Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer and brings a burst of flavor to your table, then you’ll love this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe! It’s one of those meals that feels both special and easy to whip up. Tender orzo pasta combined with juicy roasted shrimp, bright feta cheese, and vibrant herbs makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, the fresh lemony zest is like sunshine on your plate!
What I adore about this recipe is not just the incredible taste but also how adaptable it is. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal at home, this dish fits the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can have dinner ready in no time!
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with shrimp and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious choice you can feel good about.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm right out of the pot or let it cool for a refreshing pasta salad.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare everything in advance and just reheat when it’s time to eat—perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you need to create this delightful dish:
For the Roasted Shrimp
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Orzo
- 12 oz (340 g) orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (120 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh dill, chopped
To Finish
- 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained (optional)
Variations
One of the best things about this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Swap the protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing, try using chicken breast or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
- Change the cheese: If feta isn’t available, crumbled goat cheese or even ricotta salata can work nicely.
- Spice it up: For more heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Make Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
Step 1: Roast the Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss together the shrimp with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. This mix not only seasons the shrimp but also adds layers of flavor that will make every bite delicious. Spread them out in a single layer on your prepared sheet.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Roast the shrimp in your preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes until they turn opaque and are just cooked through. Keep an eye on them; overcooked shrimp can become tough! Once done, set them aside while you prepare the orzo.
Step 3: Boil the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this typically takes around 7–9 minutes. Drain it well and return it to its pot while it’s still hot so you can mix in all those flavorful ingredients.
Step 4: Flavor Up Your Orzo
While the orzo is warm, stir in extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This step ensures that each piece of pasta gets coated with zesty goodness!
Step 5: Add Veggies and Herbs
Next, fold in halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped baby spinach, fresh parsley, and dill. Stir gently until the spinach wilts slightly from the warmth—this keeps it vibrant while adding freshness.
Step 6: Mix in Cheese & Capers
Gently mix in crumbled feta cheese and capers if you’re using them. The creamy feta brings richness while capers add a tangy punch—what a wonderful combination!
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Finally, top your colorful orzo mixture with those beautiful roasted shrimp. Serve warm or at room temperature. Consider garnishing with extra herbs and lemon wedges if you’d like—a lovely touch that enhances both presentation and flavor! Enjoy your delicious Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp to new heights!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and tomatoes. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your dish.
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while they roast—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. They should be just opaque and firm to the touch to ensure they’re perfectly tender.
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Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap baby spinach with other greens like arugula or kale. Each green brings its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to personalize your dish.
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Add Extra Zest: For a brighter flavor profile, try adding more lemon zest before serving. It will enhance the citrus notes and make the dish even more refreshing.
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Make It Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can prepare the orzo and shrimp in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine them when you’re ready to eat!
How to Serve Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
Serving this dish beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas to present your Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp.
Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling extra chopped parsley or dill on top before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side so guests can squeeze more juice over their portion if they desire.
- Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall flavor.
Side Dishes
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Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: This vibrant salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and a light vinaigrette pairs well by adding protein and fiber.
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Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant drizzled with olive oil makes for a colorful complement that brings out Mediterranean flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce from your orzo dish. It’s also an easy crowd-pleaser!
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Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki): This cool dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs adds a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta dish—perfect for balancing flavors!
With these serving ideas and tips, your Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every bite of this delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, Mediterranean-inspired flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and prepare it in advance:
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover orzo shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- If possible, keep the shrimp separate from the orzo to maintain texture.
Freezing
- For longer storage, you can freeze the orzo mixture (without shrimp) in a freezer-safe container.
- It will last for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- You can add a splash of water or broth to help steam it back to life.
- Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions readers might have about this recipe.
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo in Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp?
Absolutely! While orzo gives a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with any short pasta like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also include chickpeas for added protein!
What makes Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp so special?
The combination of roasted shrimp with bright lemony flavors and creamy feta creates a delightful Mediterranean experience in every bite. It’s both satisfying and refreshingly light!
How long does it take to prepare Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp?
With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have this delightful dish ready in about 35 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp as much as I do! This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also brings a touch of sunshine to your table. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!
Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
If you’re searching for a vibrant, summer-inspired dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe. This delightful meal features tender orzo pasta, juicy roasted shrimp, and creamy feta cheese, all enhanced by the fresh zing of lemon and vibrant herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is not just quick to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether served warm or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz orzo pasta
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and lemon zest. Spread on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast shrimp for 8-10 minutes until opaque.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook orzo according to package instructions; drain.
- In the hot pot, combine cooked orzo with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), cherry tomatoes, spinach, parsley, and dill.
- Gently fold in feta cheese. Serve topped with roasted shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
