Go Back
Creamy shrimp orzo with lemon and feta in a bowl

Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta

A deliciously creamy and tangy dish made with succulent shrimp, orzo pasta, and a zesty lemon-feta sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the shrimp
  • 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)
For the orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast, stirring for about 2–3 minutes until golden.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the orzo and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken stock, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.
  4. While the orzo cooks, sear the shrimp in another pan with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Set aside.
  5. Once the orzo is tender, stir in lemon zest and juice, then fold in the cooked shrimp. Add in the feta and parsley. If needed, splash in more broth to loosen it up.

Notes

For added crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts before serving. You can also swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein twist.