Lemon Feta Orzo with Shrimp (Printable)

A vibrant Mediterranean dish with tender shrimp, zesty lemon, creamy feta, and delicate orzo tossed together for a refreshing meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt for pasta water

→ Shrimp

04 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
12 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Cheese

14 - 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
02 - While orzo cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and reserve.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and sauté 2 minutes until just softened. Add spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice; stir until spinach wilts.
05 - Return cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and heat through 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta and parsley, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special but easy
  • The lemon and feta combination creates this incredible creamy tangy sauce that coats every bite of tender orzo
  • Its impressive enough for dinner guests yet casual enough for a solo Tuesday night treat
02 -
  • Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery and tough. They cook very fast so keep a close eye on them.
  • Reserve a splash of the pasta water before draining the orzo. It helps create a silky sauce if the pasta seems dry.
  • Add the lemon juice at the very end off the heat. If you cook it too long the bright fresh flavor will fade away.
03 -
  • Pat the shrimp very dry before seasoning them. This helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming in the pan.
  • Let the feta come to room temperature before sprinkling it on. The flavor is so much more pronounced when it is not cold from the fridge.

Return