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Flavorful One-Pot Lemon Orzo with Jumbo Shrimp Spinach Feta

one-pot lemon orzo with jumbo shrimp - featured image
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A quick and satisfying one-pot Mediterranean-inspired dish combining tangy lemon, tender jumbo shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese with orzo pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cups (about 90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (about 75g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the jumbo shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon, then juice it. Roughly chop the spinach. This prep should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, avoiding browning.
  3. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the orzo and gently toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly golden and nutty.
  5. Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth along with the lemon zest and juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once the orzo is nearly done, stir in the chopped spinach and cooked shrimp. Cover again and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and shrimp reheats.
  7. Remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Toast the orzo before cooking to add nuttiness. Keep the pan covered during simmering to prevent broth evaporation. Add spinach last to avoid sliminess. Remove shrimp as soon as pink to prevent rubberiness. If orzo seems dry, add a splash of broth or water. For dairy-free, omit feta or use vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo, jumbo shrimp, spinach, feta, one-pot meal, quick dinner, Mediterranean recipe, easy pasta, healthy shrimp dish

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/flavorful-one-pot-lemon-orzo-with-jumbo-shrimp-spinach-feta-recipe-made-easy/