Baked Orzo with Shrimp, Feta, and White Wine Delight
This exquisite Baked Orzo with Shrimp, Feta, and White Wine is a standout dish that combines tender orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and creamy feta cheese, all infused with the aromatic essence of fresh herbs and a splash of white wine. Perfect for an elegant ladies' lunch or a cozy dinner with loved ones, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The addition of crunchy toasted pine nuts adds a delightful texture, making every bite a memorable experience. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make yet sophisticated meal that showcases the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine.
6
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided, for cooking and brushing)
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
medium shrimp
1 pound (uncooked, peeled, and deveined)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with juice)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (for cooking)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pine nuts
1/4-1/2 cup (toasted (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush an 11x7 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside.
2
Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Once fully cooked, drain well and return it to the pot.
3
Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. If you’d like an added crunch, toss in the toasted pine nuts at this stage.
4
Spread the orzo mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté until they turn slightly pink, about 2 minutes. Note that they will not be fully cooked.
6
Carefully arrange the sautéed shrimp on top of the orzo mixture in the baking dish.
7
In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and cook for an additional minute.
8
Pour in the dry white wine, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, and the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped basil. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to a thick sauce consistency, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9
Spoon the flavorful sauce over the shrimp and orzo in the baking dish.
10
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
11
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top for a finishing touch. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
29g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Orzo with Shrimp, Feta, and White Wine Delight?
It is a Mediterranean-style dish combining tender orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and creamy feta cheese, all infused with fresh herbs and a white wine sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this baked orzo dish contains 300 calories.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for approximately 10 minutes or until it is heated through.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 11x7 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the orzo before putting it in the oven?
Yes, cook the orzo according to package instructions and drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of medium, uncooked shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
Should the shrimp be fully cooked in the skillet?
No, only sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes until they turn slightly pink; they will finish cooking while baking in the oven.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses a combination of crumbled feta cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How much feta cheese is needed in total?
You will need 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, which is divided between the filling and the topping.
What kind of wine is used for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of dry white wine to create the sauce.
Are there any optional ingredients for texture?
Yes, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts for an added crunchy texture.
How much olive oil is used?
A total of 6 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided for brushing the dish, mixing with orzo, and sautéing.
What herbs provide the aromatic essence?
Fresh chopped basil and dried oregano are used to flavor the dish.
Can I make this dish spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a subtle spice, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
There are 13 grams of protein in every serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
This dish contains 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the sauce for the dish?
Sauté chopped garlic and diced tomatoes, then add white wine, herbs, and red pepper, simmering until the mixture reduces to a thick consistency.
When should the final layer of feta be added?
The remaining 3/4 cup of feta cheese should be sprinkled on top of the dish just before serving.
Is this dish suitable for an elegant lunch?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for an elegant ladies' lunch or a cozy dinner.
Do I use the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes including the juice.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the chopped garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Is the basil divided during the cooking process?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of basil go into the orzo mixture, and 1/4 cup is added to the sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly brush the baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil before adding the orzo.
What does the white wine do for the recipe?
The white wine is used to create a flavorful sauce that is spooned over the shrimp and orzo.
Is this a Mediterranean-inspired meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as showcasing the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare your 11x7 inch baking dish with olive oil.