Description
This Shrimp Orzo with Feta and Tomatoes is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish combining tender shrimp, orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. The dish is enriched with herbs like thyme and dill and a subtle hint of ouzo or white wine, making it a perfect hearty yet fresh meal that can be prepared quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, or as needed
- 2 large shallots or 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp ouzo or white wine, optional
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ⅓ cups (800ml) vegetable broth or stock
- 1 lb (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 14 oz (400g) shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Freshly ground salt and pepper to serve
Instructions
- Heat and soften shallots: Heat the olive oil in a skillet or chef’s pan over low heat. Add the finely diced shallots and cook gently while stirring until they become soft and translucent.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook to release the flavors and aromas into the oil.
- Add orzo and tomato paste: Stir the orzo into the pan so it is coated well with the oil and seasonings. If using, pour in the ouzo or white wine and let it reduce slightly. Then, add and toast the tomato paste for about a minute to deepen its flavor.
- Simmer with stock and tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth or stock and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender but still al dente.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the pan and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish with herbs and cheese: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with fresh thyme and dill. Adjust seasoning with freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, brown the feta briefly under a broiler for a couple of minutes before serving for an added textural contrast.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty shrimp saganaki style orzo meal pairs wonderfully with crusty Greek bread and roasted zucchini on the side.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the textures may degrade.
Keywords: Shrimp Orzo, Mediterranean shrimp recipe, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, one-pan meal, easy dinner, Greek inspired, seafood pasta