Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy but fancy: Despite its elegant presentation, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner or for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Juicy shrimp: The shrimp are seared to perfection with bold seasonings, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.

• Flavors that pop: The combination of smoky paprika, Italian herbs, feta, olives, and fresh tomatoes brings out a delightful Mediterranean taste that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups chicken stock (or water)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 lime (for juice)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

• ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh basil (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the orzo: In a pot, bring chicken stock (or water) to a boil. Add orzo and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked.

2. Prepare the shrimp: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Sear shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Combine ingredients: In the same pan, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and cooked orzo. Stir to combine, letting everything heat through.

4. Add shrimp and feta: Once the mixture is hot, add shrimp back to the pan along with crumbled feta. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Seafood alternatives: Try using scallops, lobster, or crab meat instead of shrimp.

• Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free alternative.

• Cheese: Use dairy-free feta for a vegan-friendly version.

• Add-ins: Capers, pine nuts, or extra fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in an airtight container.

• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute, or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short-cut pasta like penne or fusilli will work as a substitute for orzo.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook the shrimp for no more than 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. Overcooking makes them rubbery.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes will work, but sun-dried tomatoes add a richer flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, just use gluten-free orzo or substitute it with rice.

Can I make this dish in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free feta to make this dish dairy-free.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

Try adding asparagus, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount to your liking or omit them for a milder flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?

This meal is complete on its own, but you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for extra enjoyment.

Conclusion

Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta is a quick, flavorful, and balanced meal that’s perfect for both casual weeknights and special gatherings. With juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and tangy feta, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the fresh, Mediterranean flavors that come together in just 30 minutes!

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Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta Recipe

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Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy shrimp, tender orzo pasta, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner or entertaining guests, this flavorful one-pan meal is easy to prepare yet elegant, bursting with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sauté, Simmer
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1.5 lbs large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups chicken stock (or water)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 lime (for juice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Fresh basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the orzo: Bring chicken stock (or water) to a boil in a pot. Add orzo and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is cooked.

• Prepare the shrimp: While the orzo cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and lime juice. Sear shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

• Combine ingredients: In the same pan, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and cooked orzo. Stir to combine, letting everything heat through.

• Add shrimp and feta: Once the mixture is hot, add shrimp back to the pan along with crumbled feta. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

• Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

• Seafood alternatives: Scallops, lobster, or crab meat are great substitutes for shrimp.

• Vegetarian option: Swap shrimp for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice.

• Dairy-free: Opt for dairy-free feta for a vegan-friendly version.