If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly blends brightness and comfort, you’re going to love this Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe. Picture tender shrimp cooked to perfection, nestled into a bed of perfectly tender orzo pasta soaked with vibrant hints of lemon and fresh tomatoes. The crowning touch of salty, crumbly feta cheese and aromatic basil pulls everything together in a way that’s both bright and indulgent. It’s a perfect balance that feels fancy but comes together simply, making it my go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe shines because of its simple but purposeful ingredients. Each one brings something special, from the juicy shrimp adding protein and texture, to the lemon zest giving a fresh citrus kick, and the feta delivering that irresistible salty creaminess.
- 1 pound raw shrimp (20-30 count, peeled and deveined): Using fresh or fully-thawed shrimp ensures a succulent seafood base that cooks quickly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra as needed): The olive oil helps brown the shrimp and soften the aromatics while adding a luscious richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and enhancing all the other flavors.
- â…“ cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that melts into the dish.
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings an aromatic depth and savory warmth that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked): This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the lemony broth beautifully.
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (diced, about 1 to 1 ¼ cups): Fresh tomatoes provide juicy bursts and subtle acidity that brighten the orzo.
- 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the orzo tender and infused with savory goodness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: The lemon zest offers fragrant citrus oils that awaken every bite.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste): Adding lemon juice at the end gives a sharp, fresh tang that elevates the dish.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: The salty, creamy feta is the perfect finish that adds texture and richness.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil: Basil’s fresh herbal notes bring warmth and a pop of green color.
How to Make Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Begin by draining your fully-thawed shrimp well and patting them dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures they sear nicely without steaming, giving you that satisfying texture and flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, cover loosely with foil to keep warm, and leave all those delicious juices in the skillet—they’re going to flavor the orzo.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add your chopped onion to the skillet. If the pan looks dry, drizzle in a little extra olive oil. Cook the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds so it can toast lightly. This step deepens the flavor and helps the orzo keep its bite rather than becoming mushy later on.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced Roma tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and add the lemon zest. Increase the heat enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Shrimp
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to bring brightness to the dish. Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the orzo, warming them through without overcooking.
Step 7: Fold in Feta and Basil
Just before serving, carefully mix in the crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil. These final additions add creamy texture and vibrant herbal notes that make every bite delightful.
Step 8: Serve it Up
Dish the orzo onto warm plates and enjoy the harmonious medley of tangy lemon, tender shrimp, and rich feta in every forkful.
How to Serve Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving extra special, sprinkle a little more freshly crumbled feta and a few basil leaves on top. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper can also elevate the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. The freshness and texture contrast perfectly with the creamy orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in small individual bowls garnished with lemon wedges for an interactive touch. Alternatively, present the orzo alongside grilled bread rubbed with garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any remaining Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully but it tastes best when fresh.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of shrimp and feta, freezing is not recommended as it might affect the consistency and freshness of the dish. If you must freeze, separate the orzo and shrimp to keep textures intact, but fresh preparation is ideal.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or lemon juice to refresh the flavors and loosen the orzo.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp directly?
It’s best to thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking; this ensures even cooking and prevents excess water from diluting the flavors.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used, though broth adds the richest flavor.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten, but there are gluten-free versions available made from rice or corn that you can substitute.
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the shrimp and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, keeping the feta for creaminess. For vegan, replace feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
How can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Corn, spinach, or bell peppers can be added during the simmering step to boost the veggie content without overpowering the lemony flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way bright lemon and salty feta lift this cozy orzo and shrimp dish into something memorable. I hope you enjoy trying this Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe as much as I do—it’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and kitchen with every bite. Give it a go for your next dinner and watch it become an instant favorite!
Print
Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This vibrant and flavorful Lemony Orzo with Shrimp and Feta is a quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for weeknights. Tender shrimp are seared to perfection and combined with orzo pasta simmered in zesty lemon broth, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Finished with creamy crumbled feta and fresh basil, this Mediterranean-inspired dish offers a delightful balance of bright citrus, savory seafood, and creamy cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes and serving four, it’s a fresh take on comfort food that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound raw shrimp (20 – 30 count, peeled and deveined, fully thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus additional as needed)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- â…“ cup finely chopped yellow or sweet onion
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced (about 1 to 1¼ cups)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 2¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Flavorings and Garnishes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Place your fully-thawed shrimp in a colander and drain off any excess liquid. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside to ensure they sear properly.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in an even layer, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet, leaving juices behind, transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion to the skillet. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons more olive oil if the skillet looks dry. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Toast Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and cook for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to lightly toast the pasta and enhance flavor.
- Simmer Orzo: Add diced tomatoes, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the lemon zest. Increase heat as needed to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and let simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Lemon and Shrimp: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, then gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the orzo to warm through without overcooking.
- Add Feta and Basil: Just before serving, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced fresh basil to add creaminess and herbal brightness.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm on its own or alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness and complement the fresh flavors.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on your preference for tartness.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
