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Shrimp Orzo With Feta and Tomatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

This Shrimp Orzo with Feta and Tomatoes is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish combining tender shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. Infused with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 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

Pasta and Liquids

  • 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

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 14 oz (400g) shrimp, raw, peeled and deveined

Finishing and Garnish

  • 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper to serve

Instructions

  1. Sauté Shallots: Heat the olive oil in a skillet or chef’s pan over low heat. Add the finely diced shallots and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent, which forms the flavor base for the dish.
  2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook briefly until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well combined with the shallots.
  3. Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring to coat the grains evenly with the oil and seasoning mixture. If using, pour in the ouzo or white wine and let it reduce slightly. Then mix in the tomato paste and toast it for about a minute, enhancing its rich flavor.
  4. Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked al dente, absorbing most of the liquid.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Stir in the raw shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring they remain tender.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, then top the dish with crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh thyme and dill. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, brown the feta under a broiler for two minutes before serving for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: This shrimp saganaki with orzo is a hearty and complete meal on its own. It pairs exceptionally well with crusty Greek bread and a side of roasted zucchini for a full Mediterranean experience.
  • Storing and Freezing: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish is not suitable for freezing due to the texture changes in shrimp and feta.

Keywords: shrimp orzo, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, Mediterranean recipe, one-pan dish, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, orzo pasta, fresh herbs

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/shrimp-orzo-with-feta-and-tomatoes-recipe/