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Easy One-Pan Lemon Orzo with Shrimp Feta Spinach

one-pan lemon orzo with shrimp feta spinach - featured image
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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining lemony orzo, juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (170 grams)
  • 12 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed (about 120 grams)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 75 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons) plus zest from half the lemon
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (600 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Rinse baby spinach and pat dry. Mince garlic and zest the lemon, then juice it. Measure out orzo and broth.
  2. Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Pour the dry orzo into the pan and stir for about 1 minute to toast lightly. Add 2 ½ cups broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most broth is absorbed.
  5. When orzo is almost done, stir in baby spinach, lemon juice, and half the lemon zest. Cover again for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the pan, sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top, and gently stir to combine. Heat through for another minute.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper and sprinkle remaining lemon zest before serving.

Notes

If orzo isn’t tender but liquid is gone, add a splash of water or broth and cook a minute longer. Avoid overcooking shrimp by adding it back at the end. Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for bright flavor. Toast orzo briefly before adding broth to prevent sticking and add nuttiness. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese. Gluten-free orzo or small rice-shaped pasta can be used for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo, shrimp recipe, one-pan dinner, feta cheese, spinach, quick dinner, easy recipe, Mediterranean flavors

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-orzo-with-shrimp-feta-spinach-recipe-for-quick-dinner/