Description
This vibrant Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining tender shrimp, creamy orzo, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, all infused with bright lemon flavors. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Seafood
- 12 raw shrimp deveined
Dairy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2/3 cup feta cut into small cubes
Produce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups spinach
Pantry
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: In a large pan, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Generously season the shrimp with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, then add them to the pan. Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The liquid will evaporate and the orzo will become creamy.
- Add lemon and spinach: Once the orzo is creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and spinach. Mix gently until the spinach begins to wilt.
- Finish with shrimp and feta: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the cubed feta. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best and brightest citrus taste.
- Any leafy greens like kale or arugula can replace spinach if desired.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and onions.
- Make sure to stir often to prevent the orzo from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
