Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo Delight 🍤🍋🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a flavorful and satisfying seafood recipe, this Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo is the perfect choice. Combining tender shrimp, tangy lemon, creamy feta cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this seafood dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zest preserved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Orzo Pasta
In the same skillet, add some more olive oil if needed, then cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Lemon Feta Sauce
In the skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked orzo back into the skillet, stirring to coat it with the lemon sauce. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese until melted and creamy. Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Final Touches
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze additional lemon juice over the top before serving.
4. Tips for Perfect Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of feta cheese to your taste preference—more for a tangier, cheesier dish.
- If you want to add a touch of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore creaminess.
6. Serving Suggestions
This seafood pasta pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside some healthy grilled chicken and broccoli or other protein options.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo
Can I substitute shrimp with another seafood?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with scallops, crab meat, or lobster for different seafood variations. These options will enhance the dish’s richness and flavor.
Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free feta cheese if available. This keeps the recipe dairy-free while maintaining a creamy consistency.
How quick is the preparation time?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a quick and impressive seafood dinner.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: This versatile vegetable chopper can help prep garlic and herbs quickly, making your cooking experience smoother.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Keep your seafood chilled and fresh before cooking with ultra-fast chilling technology.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: A high-quality cookware set ensures easy and even cooking of your pasta and seafood dishes.
Investing in these tools will elevate your cooking experience and help you create professional-quality seafood dishes at home.
9. Conclusion
In summary, this Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo is a delightful seafood dish that combines fresh ingredients with rich flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and always impresses. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, seafood-packed meal that your family and guests will love!
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Creamy Lemon Feta Shrimp with Orzo Delight
A creamy, lemon-infused shrimp and feta pasta dish featuring tender shrimp over aromatic orzo, perfect for a quick and delightful meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and feta cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Add cooked orzo to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine during cooking.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a different tang.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg