Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp is a bright and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-feta dressing. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or baby spinach)
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add Vegetables: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
2. Mix in Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet along with the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together to combine.

Step 4: Finish with Feta

1. Add Feta: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to warm slightly.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for more color and nutrition.
• Herb Enhancements: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil for additional flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the freshness of lemon and feta with the heartiness of shrimp and orzo. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also delicious and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for any meal!