Mediterranean Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo
This vibrant Mediterranean Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo dish combines succulent shrimp with the refreshing flavors of fresh basil, tangy feta cheese, and juicy tomatoes, all served atop a bed of perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It's an easy and elegant one-dish meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a delightful dish to share with friends and family. Simply bake everything in a foil bag for a hassle-free cooking experience and minimal cleanup!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
foil oven cooking bag
1 (Regular-size, for baking)
cooking spray
to coat (Spray for greasing the foil bag)
uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup (Cook before mixing)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (Divided for mixing and drizzling)
diced tomato
1 cup (Fresh or canned)
sliced scallion
3/4 cup (Chop finely)
crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup (Use pre-crumbled or crumble yourself)
grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon (From a fresh lemon)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Juice from a fresh lemon)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
large shrimp
3/4 lb (Peeled and deveined)
chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (Freshly chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare a large baking pan by placing a regular-size foil oven cooking bag onto it, then spray the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the uncooked orzo pasta. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
4
In a large bowl, combine the drained orzo with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, diced tomatoes, sliced scallions, crumbled feta cheese, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5
Transfer the orzo mixture into the prepared foil bag, spreading it evenly.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the chopped fresh basil, mixing gently to coat the shrimp with the basil flavor.
7
Arrange the shrimp mixture over the orzo in the foil bag.
8
Carefully fold the edges of the foil bag to seal it, ensuring that it is tightly closed to trap in steam.
9
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
10
Once baking is complete, carefully cut open the foil bag with a sharp knife, being cautious of the steam that will escape. Peel back the foil to access the delicious contents.
11
Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the dish before serving.
12
Spoon the shrimp and orzo mixture onto plates and enjoy your Mediterranean meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal combining succulent shrimp with fresh basil, tangy feta cheese, and juicy tomatoes served over orzo pasta.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include large shrimp, feta cheese, orzo pasta, fresh basil, diced tomatoes, scallions, and lemon.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should be baked in the foil bag for 25 minutes.
Do I need to cook the orzo before putting it in the foil bag?
Yes, the orzo pasta should be boiled for 5 minutes and drained before being added to the mixture.
What type of cooking bag is required?
The recipe requires one regular-size foil oven cooking bag.
Should I grease the foil bag?
Yes, spray the inside of the foil bag with cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
How much shrimp is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 lb of large shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned diced tomatoes for this recipe.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How much fresh basil is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
How is the lemon used in this dish?
Both 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon rind and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice are used to add flavor.
How much orzo is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked orzo pasta.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with fresh basil, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
How do I prepare the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and mixed gently with chopped fresh basil before cooking.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy and elegant one-dish meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for weeknights.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of olive oil is used, divided between the mixture and the final drizzle.
When do I add the final drizzle of olive oil?
Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the dish after it has finished baking and the bag is opened.
What is the purpose of the foil bag?
The foil bag traps steam to cook the ingredients evenly and provides a hassle-free cooking experience.
How do I seal the foil bag?
Carefully fold the edges of the foil bag to ensure it is tightly closed to trap the steam inside.
What precautions should I take when opening the bag?
When cutting the bag open, be extremely cautious of the hot steam that will escape.
How many scallions are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sliced scallions.
Can I use dried basil?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried, though the flavor profile may change.
Is this recipe considered a seafood dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a seafood dish because the primary protein is shrimp.
How is the orzo mixture prepared?
Combine the par-cooked orzo with olive oil, tomatoes, scallions, feta, lemon rind, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Do I layer the ingredients or mix them all together?
The orzo mixture is spread in the bag first, and then the shrimp mixture is arranged over the top.
What is the total preparation time for the orzo?
The orzo is boiled for 5 minutes before being mixed with other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include shrimp, feta cheese, orzo, basil, mediterranean, one dish meal, quick meal, baking, and seafood.
Is the cleanup easy?
Yes, cooking in a foil bag ensures minimal cleanup as the meal is contained.
How do I serve this dish?
Spoon the shrimp and orzo mixture onto plates immediately after drizzling with olive oil.