Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp: 5-Minute Mediterranean Delight

Imagine the salty breeze of the Mediterranean Sea, a warm evening light spilling across your kitchen, and a meal that tastes like a coastal vacation — but takes only minutes to prepare. That’s what this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp delivers.

This recipe is the embodiment of simplicity meeting sophistication: juicy shrimp sautéed to perfection, delicate orzo that soaks up lemon and olive oil, and creamy feta crumbles that melt into every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a casual summer meal, this dish brings sunshine to your table all year long.

With its Greek-inspired flair and bright, zesty flavors, this meal combines three Mediterranean staples — olive oil, lemon, and feta — with tender shrimp and delicate orzo for a complete, balanced, and refreshing experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and effortless: Ready in just 15–20 minutes.
• Full of flavor: Bright lemon zest, garlic, and tangy feta come together beautifully.
• Healthy Mediterranean goodness: High in protein, lower in carbs than traditional pasta.
• Versatile: Serve warm as a main dish or chilled as a pasta salad.
• Perfect for any occasion: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.

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Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe draws inspiration from Greek coastal cooking, where seafood, citrus, and feta reign supreme. While traditional Greek recipes often use rice or couscous, orzo (a rice-shaped pasta) gives a modern twist with a silky texture that catches sauce perfectly.

The combination of lemon and feta reflects the Mediterranean’s love for freshness and balance — bright acidity against creamy saltiness. Add shrimp, and you have the quintessential seaside comfort food.

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Ingredients

Each element plays an important role — from zesty citrus to savory cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

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– Orzo Base

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

– Shrimp

• 1 pound (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

– Lemon-Feta Sauce

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
• ½ teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

– Garnish

• Additional feta crumbles
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo

Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add salt and olive oil, then stir in orzo. Cook until tender (about 8–9 minutes). Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water for the sauce. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Lemon-Feta Sauce

In the same skillet, add lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water. Stir to deglaze the pan. Add feta cheese and olive oil, whisking until creamy and smooth. Sprinkle in oregano and parsley.

4. Combine and Toss

Add the cooked orzo to the pan, stirring gently to coat with sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat until well mixed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Plate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, more feta crumbles, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

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Chef’s Tips

1. Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly. Remove as soon as they’re opaque.
2. Use high-quality feta — Greek barrel-aged feta adds authentic tang.
3. Save pasta water — it helps emulsify and thicken the lemon sauce naturally.
4. Make it spicy — a touch of chili oil or harissa can transform this into a bolder dish.
5. Add veggies — spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted peppers make great additions.

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Perfect Pairings

• Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko complements the citrusy shrimp.
• Salad: Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and red onions.
• Dessert: A light lemon panna cotta or Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts.

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Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Serve cold: Turns into a delightful Mediterranean pasta salad the next day!

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Health Benefits

This dish fits beautifully into a Mediterranean diet — one of the world’s healthiest eating styles.

• Protein-rich shrimp supports muscle health.
• Healthy fats from olive oil protect the heart.
• Feta and lemon add calcium and vitamin C without heavy creams or sauces.
• Orzo offers slow-burning carbs for steady energy.

It’s a harmony of nutrition and indulgence — clean, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

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Variations

• Lemon Feta Chicken Orzo: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken.
• Vegan Option: Use chickpeas instead of shrimp and vegan feta.
• Creamier Texture: Stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt before serving.
• Extra Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic.

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Serving Ideas

• Serve in shallow white bowls topped with extra lemon zest.
• Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a gourmet touch.
• Pair with toasted pita or homemade garlic bread for a hearty meal.

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Conclusion

Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp captures everything we love about Mediterranean cooking — freshness, simplicity, and heartwarming comfort. It’s a dish that turns ordinary weeknights into seaside escapes, bursting with the fragrance of lemon, olive oil, and herbs.

In just minutes, you can transport yourself to a Greek island — forkful by forkful.