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Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 25 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bright, comforting, and just a little bit fancy without any fuss, this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s got that perfect balance of zesty lemon, tender shrimp, and creamy orzo, all wrapped up with salty feta and fresh spinach for a meal that feels both fresh and satisfying. Whenever I want something quick but still impressive enough for company, this recipe is my go-to.

What makes this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe truly special is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. Plus, it’s adaptable—you can tweak it to whatever you have on hand or dial up the lemon if you’re craving that extra zing. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple for those nights when you want something nourishing and bright but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Bright Flavors: The lemon juice and zest bring zing that livens up the creamy orzo and shrimp perfectly.
  • Balanced Nutrition: With protein-packed shrimp, iron-rich spinach, and wholesome orzo, it’s a well-rounded meal.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry, so no need for special trips to the store.
A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a dish made of yellow orzo pasta, light pink shrimp with black pepper specks, and bright green spinach leaves. There are small white cheese cubes scattered throughout, mixed with translucent cooked onion pieces. A wooden spoon resting on the bowl scoops some of the orzo, shrimp, spinach, cheese, and onions, showing their textures clearly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a yellow cloth partially visible near the bottom. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe plays a role in flavor, texture, or nutrition, and I love how they all come together effortlessly. When I shop for this dish, I look for fresh shrimp and bright lemons to really elevate the final taste.

  • Butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps the orzo cook evenly without sticking.
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking protein that soaks up the buttery lemon sauce beautifully.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning shrimp and orzo for balanced flavor.
  • Garlic: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and depth.
  • Onion: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, creating a flavorful base.
  • Orzo: Small pasta that cooks quickly and creates a creamy texture when simmered.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
  • Lemon Zest & Juice: The stars of the show—brightens everything up with fresh citrus notes.
  • Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a tender bite that balances the richness.
  • Feta: Crumbly, tangy cheese that melts slightly and adds a salty finish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often play around with this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge. The great thing is, it’s so flexible—you can add or swap things without losing that fresh, creamy goodness.

  • Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat—totally changes the vibe in a good way.
  • Swap the protein: If shrimp isn’t your jam, chicken or even chickpeas work well here.
  • Extra greens: Feel free to throw in kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different leafy texture.
  • Make it dairy-free: Skip the butter and feta, and use olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Shrimp Just Right

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper—that seasoning is key to making them flavorful. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and just opaque—don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside. This step lets you build layers of flavor by using the same pan for the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic and Onion

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and finely diced onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and become fragrant. This sautéed onion and garlic base gives the orzo a subtle sweetness and depth that I love.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo to Creamy Perfection

Next, stir in the orzo to toast it lightly for a minute. Then pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the broth reduces, the orzo becomes creamy and tender—this simmering step is where the magic happens, so patience pays off here.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Spinach for Brightness

Once the orzo is creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest along with the spinach. The spinach wilts nicely into the warm orzo, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Give everything a good stir to combine, and your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.

Step 5: Finish with Shrimp and Feta

Finally, fold the shrimp and cubed feta into the orzo mixture. The feta adds a creamy, tangy pop that complements the lemon and shrimp beautifully. Serve it immediately when that feta is slightly softened but still holds its shape—this dish is best enjoyed fresh!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—watch for that color change and remove them promptly to avoid toughness.
  • Stir Often While Simmering Orzo: This ensures your orzo doesn’t stick or clump, giving you that creamy texture.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh zest and juice make a world of difference—skip bottled lemon juice if you can.
  • Add Feta Last: Toss feta in just before serving so it softens but doesn’t melt away completely.

How to Serve Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a dish of yellow orzo pasta mixed with pink shrimp, dark green spinach leaves, and white cubes of cheese, all sprinkled with black pepper. The orzo is the main base layer, with shrimp and spinach spread evenly on top, along with the cheese cubes. A wooden spoon with a white twisted handle rests in the bowl, showing the contents inside. Around the bowl, there are whole yellow lemons and lemon slices on a white marbled surface, as well as a small white bowl filled with more cheese cubes and a folded yellow cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta right on top along with some freshly chopped parsley or dill—both bring a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish even more. A light drizzle of good olive oil adds a silky finish I always appreciate.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe shines on its own, but if you want to add sides, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some grilled vegetables. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover lemony sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this in shallow bowls topped with lemon slices and microgreens for an elegant touch. Another fun idea is to make it into individual portions using ramekins and broil the top lightly with extra feta to add a golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the spinach and feta, the dish might absorb a bit more liquid overnight, so I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to freshen it up.

Freezing

Freezing this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe isn’t my favorite option because the texture of spinach and shrimp can change, becoming a bit mushy. If you need to freeze it, do so without the spinach and feta and add them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the orzo over low heat with a bit of broth to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, then add fresh spinach and feta if you left them out during storage for a bright freshness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sauté nicely and don’t release too much water into the pan.

  2. Is orzo similar to rice, and can I substitute it?

    Orzo is actually a pasta shaped like rice, so it has a different texture and cooks faster. If you want to substitute, try small pasta like couscous or even rice but note that cooking times and textures will vary.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Yes! Simply skip the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas helps keep the protein content balanced.

  4. How do I keep the feta from getting too salty?

    I recommend using a milder feta and adding it at the very end to keep its flavor fresh without overwhelming the dish. You can also rinse feta briefly if it’s very salty.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners because it feels bright and special without any complicated steps. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s approachable but still impressive. If you try making this dish, I promise it’ll bring a happy, fresh vibe to your dinner table—and that little lemon zing will have you coming back for seconds!

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Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

A bright and flavorful Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach combines tender shrimp sautéed in butter with creamy orzo cooked in chicken broth, finished with fresh lemon zest and juice, wilted spinach, and creamy feta cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shrimp

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 12 raw shrimp deveined
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Orzo and Vegetables

  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing

  • 2/3 cup feta cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Cook Shrimp: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Generously season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become fragrant.
  3. Cook Orzo: Add the orzo to the pan along with the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the orzo becomes creamy. Make sure to stir often to prevent sticking to the bottom.
  4. Add Lemon and Spinach: Once creamy and the excess liquid is absorbed, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Add the spinach and gently stir until the spinach begins to wilt.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the cubed feta cheese. Stir everything together until combined and the feta is slightly warmed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use medium-sized shrimp for even cooking and better texture.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to your taste preference for brightness.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Make sure to stir orzo frequently to avoid sticking and to achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but orzo may absorb more liquid and become less creamy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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