Lemongarlic Shrimp Orzo with Feta and Dill
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a super easy dinner tonight? You know I'm all about the easy meals shrimp . Are you craving something fresh? These shrimp and orzo recipes are a winner! They are delicious and quick to make.
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean shrimp pasta comes from sunny shores. It’s seriously easy. From start to finish, it takes only 35 minutes. This recipe will make about 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Seafood is great for you. Shrimp are packed with protein. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Honestly, it's the best kind of comfort food. It makes you feel like you're on vacation.
Ready to make this awesomeness?
Let's Talk Ingredients!
You will need one pound of shrimp. You’ll also need orzo pasta. Some garlic, lemon, and feta is a must.
Finally, grab some fresh dill for that extra zing. The full list is below.
Here's why I'm obsessed:
The bright lemon taste with salty feta is amazing. The dill adds a lovely freshness. Plus, it's ready faster than you can order takeout.
What Makes this Recipe Special
This Shrimp Orzo with Feta is not just tasty. It’s also versatile. Feel free to add extra veggies. Zucchini and bell peppers work well.
If you want, Chicken And Shrimp Orzo is also a great option.
I made this for my friends last week. It was a hit! Everyone loved it. Even my picky eater friend devoured it.
For another option, the Shrimp and Orzo Salad is great for a picnic. It’s light and refreshing. The recipe is so simple. It's almost foolproof. Try it; you won't regret it.
Honestly, these delicious shrimp dinner recipes are my go-to.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let’s talk about what you need to whip up these amazing shrimp and orzo recipes . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward.
You probably have half of this stuff already. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo is going to be your new favourite.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Let's start with the good stuff.
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Buy the best you can afford. Fresh is obviously amazing, but frozen works great too! Just make sure they smell fresh, not fishy.
- Orzo: 1 cup (200g) of orzo pasta. It looks like rice but cooks like pasta. Any brand will do.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. I mean, can you ever have too much garlic? I don't think so!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Extra virgin is always my go-to. It gives a nice flavour.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) for cooking the orzo. This adds way more flavour than just plain water.
- Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed! Trust me, the bottled stuff just isn't the same.
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup (115g) , crumbled. Adds that salty, tangy kick.
- Fresh Dill: 1/4 cup (5g) , chopped. Don't skip this! It makes the whole dish sing.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon - just a tiny kick if you like some heat.
- White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) Dry white wine, totally optional, but adds a real depth of flavour. Sub Chicken broth.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) to taste.
These fresh ingredients makes the Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta feel and taste fantastic.
Seasoning Secrets
Don't underestimate the power of seasoning!. A little can do a lot.
Garlic and lemon are your MVPs here. Red pepper flakes add a touch of warmth. Fresh dill brightens everything up.
Don't forget salt and pepper! Seasoning is king, so taste and adjust as you go. For a little extra, I sometimes add a pinch of dried oregano or basil.
Chicken And Shrimp Orzo, makes the perfect combination.
Gear Up: What You'll Need
Honestly, nothing fancy here.
- A large skillet or sauté pan. This is where the magic happens with the shrimp.
- A medium saucepan to cook the orzo.
- A colander to drain the orzo.
- Lemon juicer - if you haven't one, it's a great investment for cooking Easy Meals Shrimp .
That's it! No need for any fancy gadgets. Let's get cooking! And make some delicious Shrimp and Orzo Salad . Or turn these amazing Seafood Orzo Recipes into the talk of the dinner table.
Alright, let's dive into the cooking method for my Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Orzo with Feta and Dill . Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up.
And trust me, I've had my moments.
Let's Get Prepped, Shall We?
Essential Mise en Place
Mise en place, fancy French for "everything in its place." Peel and devein 1 pound (450g) of shrimp . Mince 4 cloves of garlic .
Squeeze 1/4 cup (60ml) of lemon juice . Chop 1/4 cup (5g) of fresh dill . Crumble 1/2 cup (115g) of feta cheese .
Measure out the 1 cup (200g) of orzo pasta and 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth or water . It sounds like a lot, but this prep sets you up for success.
Time Saving Organization Tips
Get that orzo cooking before you even touch the shrimp. This cuts down on the total time. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about later.
When the pasta is cooked according to package directions, al dente, drain well and set aside.
Safety First, Kids
Just a friendly reminder to not burn yourself. Seriously , hot oil is not your friend. Use pot holders. Be careful when sautéing.
Shrimp and Orzo: step-by-step Awesomeness
Okay, here's how we turn ingredients into a Delicious Shrimp Dinner Recipes :
- Pat the shrimp dry. Season with salt and pepper. This helps them get a nice sear.
- Heat 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes . Sauté for about 30 seconds , until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
- Add the shrimp and sauté for 2- 3 minutes per side , until pink and cooked through. Overcooked shrimp are the worst.
- Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) of white wine (or chicken broth). Then add 1/4 cup (60ml) of lemon juice . Simmer for 1 minute , scraping up those browned bits.
- Add the cooked orzo. Toss to combine. Stir in the feta and dill.
- Serve immediately. Maybe with a lemon wedge and extra dill.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Here's where the magic happens:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! I cannot stress this enough. They should be pink and opaque.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Need more lemon? Add it. More salt? Go for it. This Seafood Orzo Recipes is yours to own!
- Want to make this ahead? Cook the orzo and shrimp separately. Then combine them just before serving. It still tastes banging.
Honestly, this Easy Meals Shrimp recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. My friends always ask for shrimp and orzo recipes .
It’s so versatile that i’ve tried variations like Chicken And Shrimp Orzo . Plus, it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser! This is defenitly a Quick Shrimp Orzo Recipe .
Enjoy.
Recipe Notes for Your Shrimp and Orzo Recipes
Alright, let's chat about the bits and bobs that make this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo with Feta and Dill sing! You know, the stuff that takes it from "just another shrimp and orzo recipe " to "OMG, this is amazing!".
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation, innit? I reckon a good swirl of the Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta on a plate looks lush. A little extra dill on top? Chefs kiss! Plus, a lemon wedge always looks posh.
For sides, think simple. A nice green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. Crusty bread? Essential for soaking up all that lemony sauce.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Bangin'. Honestly, I even serve it with some steamed broccoli!
Storing Leftovers - Easy Meals Shrimp
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop the Seafood Orzo Recipes in an airtight container and shove it in the fridge. It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days .
Fancy freezing it? I wouldn't, mate. The orzo can get a bit mushy, you know? Reheating is simple. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a pan does the trick.
Variations: Mix it Up
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you are using chicken instead of seafood try this Chicken And Shrimp Orzo .
For a creamy version, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. Trust me, it's divine.
Need a gluten-free option? Easy! Just use gluten-free orzo. And for those veggie friends, skip the shrimp and chuck in some sautéed zucchini and peppers.
Seasonal swaps? Courgettes in the summer, butternut squash in autumn. Delicious!
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's keep it real simple. Each serving clocks in at about 450 calories . You're getting a decent whack of protein (around 35g ) and some good fats (about 18g ).
Carbs are around 30g . This recipe is also rich in calcium from the feta and antioxidants from the garlic and lemon.
Remember, this is just an estimate, mind.
Basically, this Shrimp Orzo with Feta dish is a winner. It's quick, easy, and tastes blummin' brilliant. So, give it a go and don't be afraid to experiment! This Quick Shrimp Orzo Recipe is waiting for your personal touch.
You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery in shrimp and orzo recipes?
The key to tender shrimp is not overcooking them! Sauté them for just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. They'll continue to cook slightly once you add them to the orzo, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overcooked, or you'll end up with something closer to a bouncy ball than a delicious seafood meal!
Can I make this shrimp and orzo recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some components ahead of time. You can peel and devein the shrimp, chop the dill, and crumble the feta in advance. However, the orzo is best cooked right before serving, as it can get a bit mushy if it sits for too long.
If you do need to make it ahead, consider slightly undercooking the orzo and adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
I'm not a fan of feta cheese. What's a good substitute in this orzo and shrimp recipe?
No worries, mate! Feta isn't for everyone. You can easily substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tanginess, or try a milder cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavour.
The possibilities are endless, really, it's just like on The Great British Baking Show, add a twist!
Is there a way to make this shrimp and orzo dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat orzo for added fibre, reduce the amount of olive oil, and use more vegetables. Load up on veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish and add nutrients.
Also, consider using chicken broth instead of white wine to reduce the alcohol and acidity for a better experience.
How long does leftover shrimp and orzo last in the fridge?
Leftover shrimp and orzo will generally keep in the fridge for 2-3 days, stored in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools down to room temperature before refrigerating, and give it a good sniff before reheating to ensure it's still good.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
What's the best way to reheat leftover shrimp and orzo?
To revive your leftover Shrimp and Orzo, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or water and gently reheating it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying it out.
A little extra lemon juice and fresh dill can also brighten up the flavours after reheating.
Lemongarlic Shrimp Orzo With Feta And Dill
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
