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Quick Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo Recipe with Spinach and Feta for Easy Homemade Dinner

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A fast and flavorful shrimp orzo dish with zesty lemon, garlic, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (extra)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Extra lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside for about 10 minutes.
  2. Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly firm, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the extra garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, careful not to burn it.
  4. Push the onion and garlic to the edges of the pan and add marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Add the cooked orzo and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet with the shrimp and aromatics. Toss gently until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Cook orzo in broth for added depth. Add spinach last to keep it vibrant. If orzo seems dry, stir in a splash of broth or olive oil before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, orzo, lemon garlic shrimp, spinach, feta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

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