Description
A vibrant and flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic spices, combined with tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Mediterranean meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced
Finishing and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and the mixture is warmed through. Return the cooked orzo and shrimp to the skillet and toss together to combine all the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle fresh lime or lemon juice over the mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use shrimp that are medium to large in size for best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and increase the amount of tomatoes and olives.
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can be substituted for basil or parsley to vary the flavor profile.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
