Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

There’s something so bright and comforting about this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe that just makes it a go-to in my kitchen when I want a fresh but satisfying meal. The zingy lemon combined with creamy feta and tender shrimp creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both light and indulgent at the same time. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together fast enough for any weeknight dinner.

I often find myself reaching for this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe when I want something that’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor — plus, it uses just one pan! The spinach adds a nice pop of green, and the orzo gets wonderfully creamy from simmering in chicken broth, making the whole dish cozy and bright. I’m excited to share my tips to make sure you nail it on your first try!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe plays a vital role to keep it fresh, flavorful, and balanced. I always make sure my shrimp are fresh or properly thawed, and I reach for good quality feta that’s creamy but firm enough to cube.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the shrimp and aromatics for deep flavor.
• Shrimp: Provides a sweet, meaty texture that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and balancing the dish.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth — don’t skip fresh minced garlic for that punch.
• Onion: Softens to a mild sweetness that enhances the orzo base.
• Orzo: A tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the broth for creamy goodness.
• Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor and keeps the orzo tender and moist.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrus zing.
• Spinach: Wilts into the warm orzo adding color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor.
• Feta: Cubed for salty creaminess that melts slightly but keeps its shape.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extras. Don’t hesitate to play around with it based on what you have in the fridge or your personal preferences.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap the shrimp for chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, and it’s just as delicious.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil gives it a lovely kick.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill tossed in at the end lifts the flavors even more.
• Make It Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, vegetable broth, and substitute crumbled tofu or vegan feta for a cruelty-free version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection

First things first: melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a large pan. While that’s melting, season your shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Pop them into the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’ve turned that perfect pink color. Don’t overcook here — shrimp can get rubbery quickly, so watch closely! Once cooked, remove the shrimp and let them chill on a plate while you move on to the orzo.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic

Using the same pan (that’s where the flavor lives!), add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and finely diced onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. This step adds a mellow sweetness and garlicky aroma that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and lemon.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo Until Creamy

Now, pour in the orzo and stir to coat it in the buttery onion mixture. Next, add the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. This part needs a bit of patience—let the orzo cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the broth slowly absorbing and the orzo developing a creamy texture without any cream. It’s such a satisfying transformation to watch!

Step 4: Brighten and Bulk Up with Spinach and Lemon

Once the orzo is creamy and the excess liquid has mostly evaporated, stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Immediately add the spinach and fold it into the warm orzo so it just begins to wilt—this keeps it vibrant and fresh. The lemon brightness really pops here, balancing the richness beautifully.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Feta, Then Serve

Finally, gently fold the cooked shrimp back in along with the cubed feta cheese. The feta softens a bit but holds onto its shape, melting into delicious pockets of salty creaminess. Give everything one last gentle stir and serve immediately while warm. Trust me, the combination of flavors and textures is worth savoring right away!

How to Serve Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest and a few fresh herbs like parsley or dill to amplify freshness. A little drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness that pulls it all together. Sometimes I’ll crumble a touch more feta on top for guests who want an extra creamy punch.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe is lovely on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a warm pita on the side also works great if you want something to soak up every last bit of lemony orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this lemon orzo in shallow bowls with a bright wedge of lemon on the side for extra squeezing at the table. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens gives it an elegant look that never fails to impress friends. Plus, layering the orzo beneath a small mound of shrimp creates a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the orzo absorbs liquid as it cools, it can thicken, so I like to loosen it up when reheating by stirring in a splash of broth or water.

Freezing

This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe doesn’t freeze very well because the texture of shrimp and feta changes after thawing. I recommend making fresh whenever possible, but if you freeze, separate portions and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of broth or water to keep it moist. This helps revive the creamy texture without drying out the shrimp or spinach. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the shrimp rubbery if overheated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Spinach Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s quick, fresh, and so deeply satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s perfect when you want something a little different that still feels like home. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorites, too!

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