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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
