This Greek Shrimp Orzo is packed with flavor and goodness! With tender shrimp, creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and briny olives, every bite is a taste of the Mediterranean.
It’s a perfect dinner for busy nights. Just cook the orzo, sauté the shrimp, mix it all together, and you’re ready to go. Honestly, my plate never stays full for long! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: Orzo gives a delicious texture and works great in this dish. If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta like couscous or ditalini.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal, but you can use smaller ones if needed. For a vegetarian option, replace shrimp with chickpeas for added protein.
Kalamata Olives: Their briny flavor is key here. If you can’t find them, any good-quality black olives work well. Just adjust the salt in the dish due to differences in saltiness.
Feta Cheese: Feta is perfect for its creamy texture and tang. If dairy-free, you can try almond feta or omit it completely. It’ll still taste good!
Lemon: Fresh lemon adds brightness to the dish. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can seem tricky, but here’s a simple method to get it just right. The goal is to have perfectly tender, not rubbery, shrimp.
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough; medium-high heat is ideal.
- Season the shrimp lightly before cooking. This adds flavor.
- Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook!
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re done to keep them tender.
Enjoy your cooking journey with this Greek Shrimp Orzo! Trust me, it’s worth every slice and stir. 😊
Greek Shrimp Orzo with Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional), to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes in total. Just 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When it’s hot, add the shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once they’re done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Now, add the cherry tomatoes and cook them for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and burst, releasing their delicious juices.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, stir in the sliced Kalamata olives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining oregano. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Mix it All Together:
Now, add the cooked orzo and shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through. This is when the magic happens!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the dish. If you like a little heat, add some red chili flakes. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Enjoy!
Your Greek Shrimp Orzo is ready to serve! Plating it warm and garnishing with extra lemon wedges makes it look lovely. Dig in and enjoy this delightful Mediterranean dish!
FAQ for Greek Shrimp Orzo with Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a sealed waterproof bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for feta, try using goat cheese for a similar creamy texture or even a dairy-free almond feta if you want a vegan option. Just adjust the salt since feta can be quite salty.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the orzo and sauté the shrimp and veggies ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving, but it’s best to add the feta just before serving to keep it fresh and crumbly.