Description
This Greek Shrimp Orzo is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice and herbs, it offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Additional Flavorings
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter together until melted and hot, preparing the base for sautéing.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the diced red onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Olives: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives. Cook for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and meld with the other flavors.
- Combine Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and stir well to combine with the vegetables and olives, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Return Shrimp to Skillet: Gently return the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the orzo mixture. Toss everything together carefully to evenly distribute the shrimp without breaking them.
- Finish with Seasonings: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the dish, then sprinkle the dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese atop. Stir lightly to combine without melting the feta.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm to enjoy the full flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp as per availability; if frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- To make the dish gluten free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free small pasta or quinoa.
