Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Delight
This Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Delight is a bursting fusion of flavors, combining succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, tangy feta cheese, and hearty Kalamata olives—all brought together with a refreshing hint of lemon. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this one-dish meal is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers a vibrant and satisfying taste of the Mediterranean. Share it with loved ones and experience the joy of good food that brings everyone around the table!
4
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon zest
1 tablespoon (grated)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste (-)
Pepper
to taste (-)
Extra-large shrimp
1.5 lbs (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons plus extra for drizzling (-)
Onion
1 (chopped fine)
Garlic cloves
2-4 (minced)
Orzo pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
Chicken broth
4 cups (-)
Kalamata olives
1 cup (pitted and chopped coarse)
Feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Fresh parsley
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the grated lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them in the lemon-salt mixture until well coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
2
In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, ensuring each piece is well coated with the oil. Cook the orzo, stirring frequently, for around 4 minutes, or until lightly browned and toasted.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook uncovered for about 6 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
5
Add the chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
Lower the heat to medium-low and gently nestle the shrimp into the orzo mixture. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
7
Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of feta cheese on top, drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your Mediterranean feast!
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Delight?
It is a one-dish meal that combines succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, tangy feta cheese, and Kalamata olives with a hint of lemon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size shrimp should be used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
Do I need to cook the orzo before starting?
No, you use 2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta which is toasted and then boiled in the skillet.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 4 cups of chicken broth to cook the orzo.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How do I prepare the lemon for this dish?
You will need 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What size skillet is recommended?
A large 12-inch nonstick skillet is recommended for this one-dish meal.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have softened and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How long does it take to toast the orzo?
Stir the orzo frequently for around 4 minutes until it is lightly browned and toasted.
How long should the orzo boil in the broth?
Cook the orzo uncovered in the broth for about 6 minutes or until it is al dente.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of pitted and coarsely chopped Kalamata olives.
When do I add the shrimp to the pan?
Nestle the shrimp into the orzo mixture after the olives, lemon juice, and half of the feta have been stirred in.
How long does the shrimp take to cook?
Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
What is used as a garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of olive oil are used for garnish.
How much olive oil is needed initially?
You start with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions.
Is the orzo cooked covered or uncovered?
The orzo is initially boiled in the broth uncovered, then covered later when cooking the shrimp.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
How do I season the shrimp?
Toss the shrimp in a mixture of grated lemon zest, salt, and pepper before cooking.
Should the shrimp be dried before seasoning?
Yes, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before tossing them in the lemon-salt mixture.
When do I add the remaining feta cheese?
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of feta cheese on top just before serving.
What temperature should the skillet be at for the shrimp?
Lower the heat to medium-low when you are ready to cook the shrimp.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a one-dish meal.
Can I add extra salt and pepper?
Yes, you can season with additional salt and pepper to taste after adding the olives and feta.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The primary flavors are Mediterranean, featuring lemon, garlic, feta, and Kalamata olives.