Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the juicy tenderness of shrimp with the satisfying texture of orzo, topped with creamy feta, tangy olives, and fresh herbs. It's a balanced, full meal packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s quick and effortless, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Season shrimp with paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear shrimp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes, until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook orzo with stock, bringing it to a simmer. Stir in tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently. Top with basil and extra feta.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute shrimp with scallops, lobster, or salmon.
- Swap orzo for rice or another type of pasta.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just ensure they are thawed before cooking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free feta for a vegan version.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or farfalle works well.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp and orzo separately and combine them before serving.
What can I serve this with?
This dish is a complete meal, but a light salad or crusty bread pairs well.
How do I cook the orzo properly?
Use a 1:2 ratio of orzo to stock or water, and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
Can I skip the feta cheese?
Yes, you can skip the feta or use a dairy-free version.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
Green olives or capers are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta is a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that impresses with minimal effort. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation.
Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean dish packed with juicy shrimp, tangy olives, creamy feta, and tender orzo. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, ready in just 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Sautéed
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the shrimp with paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Sear the shrimp in heated olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the orzo in the same skillet with stock, bringing it to a simmer.
- Stir in tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently.
- Garnish with basil and extra feta before serving.
Notes
- Swap shrimp for scallops, lobster, or salmon.
- Replace orzo with rice or another pasta for variety.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicier with additional red pepper flakes.
