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30 Minute Shrimp Orzo with Feta and Vegetables Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful 30-minute shrimp orzo dish featuring tender shrimp, tender-crisp vegetables, fresh lemon zest and juice, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired meal combines wholesome orzo pasta with nutritious greens like spinach or kale, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Orzo and Pasta Ingredients

  • 8 ounces orzo pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, cut in half and sliced thin
  • 2 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Optional: red bell pepper, broccoli, peas, or other vegetables as desired
  • 4 cups chopped greens such as spinach, chard, or kale

Shrimp

  • 12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and shelled (or precooked)

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm and chewy. Drain the orzo well and set aside.
  2. Sauté vegetables: While the orzo is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced carrots and onion, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the chopped garlic and any other optional vegetables that require cooking, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Cook the shrimp and greens: Add the peeled shrimp along with the chopped greens like spinach, chard, or kale to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the greens are wilted. If using precooked shrimp, add them after the greens have wilted and warm through gently.
  4. Add flavorings and combine: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and sliced Kalamata olives if using. Then add the drained orzo pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and serve the shrimp orzo warm or cold, sprinkled generously with crumbled feta cheese and optional toppings such as chopped parsley or tomatoes for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
  • Use precooked shrimp for an even quicker meal; just warm them in the pan at the end.
  • You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous if desired.
  • Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste for balanced seasoning.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/30-minute-shrimp-orzo-with-feta-and-vegetables-recipe/