Description
This vibrant Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach recipe combines succulent sautéed shrimp with creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and tangy lemon zest, finished with salty feta cubes for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Seafood
- 12 raw shrimp deveined
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 cups spinach
Dairy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2/3 cup feta cut into small cubes
Pantry
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large pan, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Generously season the shrimp with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Add the shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook garlic and onion: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Simmer the orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pan. Allow to simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo becomes creamy.
- Add lemon and spinach: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest to the cooked orzo. Then add the spinach and gently stir until the spinach wilts and incorporates evenly throughout the dish.
- Combine shrimp and feta: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the cubed feta. Stir gently to mix all ingredients, then remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use extra-shrimp or orzo for larger servings.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and feta, substituting with olive oil and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
