If you love bold Mediterranean flavors and want a dish that feels special yet is so easy, Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta will win your heart. Tender shrimp, toothsome orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and a generous shower of tangy feta cheese—all come together in a colorful skillet bursting with freshness. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser: simple enough for a weeknight but beautiful enough to share with friends. Every bite delivers a taste of Greece, making Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta a go-to whenever you crave something bright and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of classic ingredients to create Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta, but each brings something vital—think sweet shrimp, creamy feta, fragrant garlic, and sun-kissed tomatoes. Gather these staples and let their vibrant flavors steal the show.
- Shrimp: Choose large, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and quick cooking.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta gives the dish its signature hearty bite and soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a fruity richness that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the skillet with irresistible aroma and Mediterranean warmth.
- Red Onion: Diced for a pop of sweetness and color that balances the savory flavors.
- Tomatoes: Use a can of diced tomatoes with their juices for a tangy base that simmers into a light sauce.
- Dried Oregano: Just half a teaspoon adds all those classic Greek herb notes to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch gives gentle heat and excitement to the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances and amplifies all the flavors throughout.
- Black Pepper: Offers a mild kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Kalamata Olives: Sliced olives add a briny, savory punch that makes Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta pop.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled over top for creamy, tangy richness you’ll crave in every forkful.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for color and a grassy freshness.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon wakes up all the flavors and adds brightness right before serving.
How to Make Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a pot of well-salted water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions—this usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside; you want it ready to stir in while it’s still hot so it soaks up the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion. Let them cook, stirring often, for about 2–3 minutes. You’re looking for that point when the onion turns soft and that garlicky aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
To the skillet, add your can of diced tomatoes (with all their juices), dried oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. This step melds the flavors and softens the tomatoes into a luscious, Greek-inspired sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Push the tomato mixture to the sides of the skillet, making a little well, and nestle your shrimp right in. Stir the shrimp gently so each one is coated in the sauce. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until the shrimp turn opaque and pink—be careful not to overcook, so they stay juicy!
Step 5: Finish and Assemble
Add the drained orzo to the skillet. Stir in the sliced Kalamata olives and squeeze over the fresh lemon juice. Mix it all well so the orzo catches every bit of sauce, olive, and shrimp. Now, take the skillet off the heat and shower generously with crumbled feta and a flurry of fresh parsley. Serve Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta warm right from the pan and enjoy those Mediterranean vibes.
How to Serve Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Garnishes
This dish loves a little extra flourish! Try a final drizzle of good olive oil, an extra crumble of feta, or a scattering of fresh parsley or dill over the top. For a real pop, add a twist of black pepper or a few thin lemon slices right before serving Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta.
Side Dishes
You can create an entire Greek-inspired meal by pairing your Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta with a crisp cucumber salad, roasted asparagus, or a platter of warm pita bread. The flavors are so vibrant, you don’t need much, but these sides will make things feel like a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about making it look beautiful! Try serving Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta in a wide, shallow bowl for a rustic look, or in individual ramekins for a fun dinner party presentation. If you have leftovers, stuff them into halved bell peppers or tomatoes and bake for a stunning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making it perfect for a next-day lunch or an easy, flavor-packed dinner. It’ll keep well for up to three days.
Freezing
Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta isn’t ideal for freezing, as the orzo and shrimp can lose their texture once thawed. However, if you must freeze it, do so in an airtight container and use within a month, knowing the texture may soften a bit when reheated.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. A quick microwave stint works too, but cover the dish and use short intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type Main Course
Absolutely! While orzo gives the dish its signature look and texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous work in a pinch. For a gluten-free twist, try using rice.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta?
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a vegan feta substitute or simply skip it. The dish will still have loads of flavor from the tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta works beautifully with thawed frozen shrimp. Just make sure to pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in your skillet.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s customizable! The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can leave them out entirely or add more to suit your heat preference.
What’s the best way to prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the orzo and prep your garlic, onion, and tomatoes a day ahead. When ready to eat, just sauté and finish the dish in under 15 minutes for a fresh, effortless meal.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you try Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta, you’ll keep coming back for its breezy Mediterranean charm—vibrant colors, bold flavors, and total weeknight magic. Give it a go the next time you’re craving something bright and comforting, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your home, too!
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Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Shrimp with Orzo and Feta recipe is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp, orzo pasta, and tangy feta cheese for a flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red onion in olive oil until softened. Add tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Combine: Stir in cooked orzo, olives, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and top with feta and parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle with more olive oil before serving.
- You can use whole wheat orzo or rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- This dish tastes great warm or at room temperature, and leftovers are delicious the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
