Description
This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines tender shrimp, tangy feta, fresh spinach, and a bright lemony flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe features sautéed shrimp and orzo simmered in chicken broth, finished with a splash of lemon juice and zest for a refreshing twist.
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 Touch
- 2/3 cup feta cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then add to the pan and sauté 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 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Simmer Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the orzo becomes creamy.
- Add Lemon and Spinach: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest into the orzo. Add the spinach and stir until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the cubed feta cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier cooking and eating.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- To intensify lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
- Make sure to stir the orzo frequently to avoid it sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Feta can be replaced with goat cheese for a creamier texture and different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
