Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Greek coastal cuisine in just 30 minutes - a tantalizing blend of succulent shrimp, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked orzo that promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. This Shrimp and Feta Orzo isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen, without the need for a passport or complicated cooking techniques.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 1 cup of orzo pasta, 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Halve 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes and set aside. Also, gather 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, chop some fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the orzo is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Once the orzo is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the orzo and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and gently toss everything together until well mixed. The heat from the orzo will slightly melt the feta, creating a creamy texture.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- To serve, divide the shrimp and feta orzo among four plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Watch your shrimp closely - they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Look for a pink, opaque color and a slight curl as your doneness indicator.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together seamlessly.
- Feta Freshness: Use high-quality, authentic Greek feta for the most authentic flavor. The creaminess will melt beautifully into the warm orzo.
- Lemon Tip: Add lemon juice at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter.
- Garnish Game: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks - it adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich seafood and cheese perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 220mg
