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Creamy Shrimp Orzo with Lemon & Feta

A delightful, comforting dish featuring tender shrimp in a creamy base with the zing of lemon and tangy feta, all in one pan.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

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)
Pasta Ingredients
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2.25 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with baking soda, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add orzo and toast, stirring for 2–3 minutes until golden.
  3. Toss in minced garlic to the orzo and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.
  5. While orzo cooks, sear shrimp in another pan with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Set aside.
  6. Once orzo is tender, stir in lemon zest and juice, then add cooked shrimp. Fold in feta and parsley. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen.

Notes

Garnish with parsley and serve warm in colorful bowls. Pair with a crisp white wine. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water if it’s too thick.