Description
Zesty Lemon Feta Orzo with Succulent Shrimp is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring the perfect balance of tangy lemon, creamy feta, and juicy shrimp. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this meal offers a delightful combination of textures and fresh flavors ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- Fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 lb)
Pasta and Grains
- Orzo pasta (1 cup)
Citrus
- Fresh lemons (zest and juice of 2 lemons)
Cheese
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup)
Aromatics & Oils
- Minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Optional red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orzo: Cook the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the orzo, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: In the same pan, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir to create a light, tangy sauce that captures the flavors left behind by the shrimp and garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked orzo and shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat everything with the lemon sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped fresh herbs over the top, mixing lightly just before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice provide a vibrant flavor that cannot be replicated by bottled lemon juice.
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone; cook until they just turn pink.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Adding reserved orzo water helps emulsify the sauce and keep the dish moist and silky.
- Feta Freshness Matters: Use good-quality, tangy feta for optimal flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust Salt Last: Because feta is salty, season the dish after adding cheese to avoid over-salting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: lemon, feta, orzo, shrimp, Mediterranean, quick dinner, seafood pasta, easy recipe, weeknight meal
