Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta Recipe
This Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp marinated with baking soda and red pepper flakes, toasted orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken stock, and finished with fresh lemon zest, tangy feta cheese, and bright parsley. Perfectly balanced with a creamy texture and zesty brightness, it’s an easy yet impressive dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Toast Orzo: In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the orzo pasta and toast it by stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the orzo turns a golden color, which adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Add Garlic and Simmer Orzo: Mix the minced garlic into the toasted orzo and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the orzo simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Sear Shrimp: While the orzo is cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, then set them aside.
- Finish the Dish: When the orzo is tender, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a fresh burst of citrus. Add the cooked shrimp into the skillet and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the consistency. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Baking soda in the marinade helps to tenderize the shrimp, but don’t marinate for too long to avoid mushy texture.
- If you prefer less spice, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit shrimp, adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
Keywords: shrimp, orzo, creamy pasta, lemon, feta, Mediterranean recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal
