Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemon Shrimp Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 75 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Lemon Shrimp Orzo recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are seared with Italian seasoning, then combined with creamy feta, fresh spinach, and bright lemon zest over a bed of tender, garlicky orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth and white wine. The result is a Mediterranean-inspired meal that is both comforting and vibrant, ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1 pound shrimp (uncooked, peeled and deveined)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot (minced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • Pinch saffron (optional)
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup feta (cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (minced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning and oil.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them to sear both sides until they are cooked through and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the now-empty skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat it in the butter and flavors.
  5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the ¼ cup white wine and cook while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Continue cooking until the wine is mostly absorbed, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Simmer with Broth and Saffron: Add the 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth and the pinch of saffron if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes.
  7. Add Spinach: Stir in the 2 cups of baby spinach leaves and gently cook until wilted and incorporated into the orzo.
  8. Combine Shrimp and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the cubed feta, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to combine and warm through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lemon shrimp orzo warm as a satisfying and fresh main dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it pescatarian-friendly.
  • If you don’t have saffron, you can omit it; it adds a subtle aroma but is optional.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright and tangy flavor.
  • Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking the orzo separately and adding shrimp just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/lemon-shrimp-orzo-recipe/