Get ready to fall in love with a Mediterranean favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes: Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta. This vibrant dish is packed with juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta—all tossed with tender orzo pasta. The flavors are layered and lively, yet the recipe is refreshingly simple, making it equally perfect for weeknight dinners or an impressive (but low-fuss) meal with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised how quickly you can gather everything for this Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta. Each ingredient pops with distinct flavor or texture, so don’t skip a thing! Even a little lemon juice or a sprinkle of oregano transforms the dish from everyday to unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and gives the shrimp those beautiful golden edges.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show for sweetness and succulent texture—always go for the freshest you can find.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb! Lends fragrant, earthy notes that define the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in the shrimp and orzo.
- Black pepper: A gentle kick to balance the tangy and creamy elements.
- Small onion, diced: Sautéed onion creates a savory foundation you’ll taste in every bite.
- Garlic, minced: Don’t be shy! Garlic adds that unmistakable Mediterranean richness.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14 oz): They make the sauce juicy, bright, and a little sweet.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for an optional touch of heat.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the orzo with savory depth and keeps everything tender.
- Orzo pasta, uncooked: Short pasta that soaks up every bit of that tomato broth.
- Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Classic Greek flavor with a briny pop in every bite.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy and tangy, the final touch that ties it all together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top for color and a burst of freshness.
- Juice of half a lemon: Brightens the whole dish, so don’t skip it!
How to Make Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Step 1: Sear and Season the Shrimp
Start this Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta adventure by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give your shrimp a loving sprinkle of oregano, salt, and pepper—this simple step infuses every bite with classic Greek flavors. Sear the shrimp for just a couple of minutes per side, until they’re a beautiful pink, then set them aside. This quick sauté keeps the shrimp tender and lets them soak up every other flavor later.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until it’s just started to soften. When you add the garlic, you’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells incredible! The aromatics form the backbone of flavor, setting the perfect stage for the tomato and broth to shine.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo and Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes, add the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, then stir in your broth and orzo. Let everything come to a gentle boil before lowering the heat. Simmer uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally—this helps the orzo cook evenly while soaking up all those savory tomato juices.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
When the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, gently stir in the olives, cooked shrimp, crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Let it all warm through for another minute or two so every flavor mingles. The Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta is now ready to shine.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Spoon the Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta into bowls while it’s piping hot. This dish hits all the notes—savory, tangy, briny, and bright. For an extra flourish, you might drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil or toss on more feta just before serving.
How to Serve Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Garnishes
Nothing finishes Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a handful of extra crumbled feta, and another squeeze of lemon juice. If you love a bit of crunch, try a dusting of toasted pine nuts—unexpected, but amazing!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad, some roasted asparagus, or a simple platter of grilled vegetables. Warm pita or crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of those saucy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta in shallow bowls, family-style with lots of lemon wedges on the side. For a more festive touch, portion it into small ramekins for a tapas-style gathering—don’t forget the extra olives and herbs for color!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta tastes just as delicious the next day. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The orzo will absorb more flavor as it sits, but might soak up some sauce—stir in a splash of broth before reheating if needed.
Freezing
While you can freeze Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta, keep in mind the shrimp can become a tad rubbery after thawing and reheating. If you do need to freeze it, let the dish cool completely first, then portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a little broth or water to loosen things up. For quick lunches, you can microwave single servings, but use a lower power and stir halfway to keep the shrimp tender, not tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta?
Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen shrimp work beautifully for this recipe, and they keep the dish convenient year-round.
Is there a substitute for orzo pasta?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous can be used in a pinch. Just keep an eye on cooking times and the amount of liquid you’ll need.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the shrimp for extra vegetables such as zucchini or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. The result will still be delicious and hearty, making Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta (minus the shrimp!) a fabulous option for vegetarians.
What other cheeses can I use if I don’t have feta?
Feta adds a specific tang, but you can substitute with goat cheese for creaminess or ricotta salata for firmness. Even crumbled queso fresco can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I make Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta spicy?
Of course! Just add extra crushed red pepper flakes to taste, or serve with hot sauce on the side. The heat plays nicely with the briny and creamy notes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, satisfying, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, you have to try Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta. It’s quick enough for a busy night but always feels like a special treat. Invite someone over or treat yourself—you’re in for a seriously tasty adventure!
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Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this delectable Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta recipe. Succulent shrimp, tangy feta cheese, and savory olives come together in a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo Mixture:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season shrimp, cook until pink, then set aside.
- Prepare Orzo Mixture: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes, broth, orzo, and simmer until orzo is cooked. Stir in olives, shrimp, feta, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Finalize Dish: Cook briefly to warm through. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle with olive oil before serving.
- Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Substitute whole wheat orzo for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
