If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a Mediterranean bistro but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Lemon Shrimp Orzo is your new go-to. With bold lemon flavor, juicy roasted shrimp, and creamy feta, this dish delivers bright, fresh flavor with minimal effort. It’s a healthy and hearty one-pan meal that makes you feel like you’re dining on the coast of Greece, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
This recipe is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking wholesome, flavorful dinner options. And if you love Mediterranean flavors, you’ll also enjoy dishes like these Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls and Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo.
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Why This Lemon Shrimp Orzo Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Sometimes, you just need dinner on the table fast—but without compromising flavor. That’s where this Lemon Shrimp Orzo recipe shines. You’ll roast the shrimp in the oven while the orzo cooks on the stove, and the whole dish comes together in one big bowl in about 25 minutes.
It’s light, protein-packed, and refreshing thanks to the combination of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and feta cheese. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. This makes it an excellent alternative to heavier pasta bakes or casseroles like our Vegetarian Baked Ziti.
What is Lemon Shrimp Orzo? Understanding the Mediterranean Inspiration
At its core, Lemon Shrimp Orzo is a fusion of fresh coastal flavors and comfort food. Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that’s common in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greece and southern Italy. It’s the perfect vessel for soaking up the bright citrusy flavor of lemon and the richness of roasted garlic shrimp.
The salty bite from crumbled feta and the freshness of parsley and mint round out the dish. Similar flavor profiles can be found in other recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp or this zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Shrimp Orzo
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅔ cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup (5g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- Zest from ½ lemon, for garnish
How to Make Lemon Shrimp Orzo: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Roast the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 6–8 minutes or until just opaque and pink.
- Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Assemble the dish: In a large serving bowl, combine cooked orzo with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, cherry tomatoes, lemon zest, and a splash of pasta water. Fold in the roasted shrimp, feta, parsley, and mint. Toss everything gently until well combined.
- Serve and garnish: Top with extra feta and herbs. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a pasta salad.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lemon Shrimp Orzo
- Large pot for boiling orzo
- Sheet pan for roasting shrimp
- Mixing bowls
- Microplane or lemon zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Cooked Orzo and Juicy Roasted Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly—6 to 8 minutes is all they need in a hot oven.
- Generously salt your pasta water. Orzo is bland without well-seasoned water.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same fresh flavor.
- Reserve pasta water. It helps emulsify and loosen the final dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Lemon Shrimp Orzo
- Forgetting to dry shrimp before roasting can lead to watery, rubbery results.
- Overcooking orzo leads to a mushy texture. Aim for a true al dente bite.
- Skipping the herbs will reduce the freshness and Mediterranean flair of the dish.
- Using pre-crumbled feta. Buy a block and crumble it yourself—it tastes creamier.
Variations and Substitutions for Lemon Shrimp Orzo
- Make it vegetarian by replacing shrimp with roasted chickpeas or grilled zucchini.
- Swap in whole wheat orzo for extra fiber.
- Add spinach or arugula for a green boost.
- Try goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier twist.
- If you love the lemony, creamy combo, you might also enjoy Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon.
How to Serve and Present Lemon Shrimp Orzo Beautifully
Presentation matters, especially if you’re serving guests. Try these ideas:
- Plate in shallow pasta bowls and top with extra feta and lemon zest.
- Serve alongside a chilled cucumber salad or Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans.
- Add a wedge of lemon on the side and a final drizzle of olive oil.
- Pair it with fluffy flatbread or Cottage Cheese Flatbread.
What to Serve with Lemon Shrimp Orzo (Non-Alcoholic Pairings)
- Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca – Light, herbal, and refreshing.
- Lavender Lemonade – A floral, cooling drink perfect for summer.
- Iced mint tea – Complements the herbs in the dish perfectly.
Looking for more non-alcoholic pairings? Check out our full Drinks category.
How to Store Leftover Lemon Shrimp Orzo for Maximum Freshness
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen.
- Avoid microwaving shrimp too long, or it will turn rubbery.
- Do not freeze as the shrimp and orzo texture will degrade.
Lemon Shrimp Orzo FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
Yes, it’s just as delicious cold. Add a little extra olive oil before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, orzo contains wheat. Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw fully and pat dry before roasting.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, cook orzo and shrimp separately. Combine before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Lemon Shrimp Orzo Recipe
This Lemon Shrimp Orzo is bright, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a feel-good dinner that doesn’t weigh you down, and it offers the kind of flavor you’d expect from a fancy meal—but made in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or hosting friends, this dish always delivers.
If you love this kind of recipe, don’t miss our other easy Mediterranean-style meals like Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl or Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Orzo.
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Irresistibly Zesty Lemon Feta Orzo Roasted Shrimp Recipe You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Feta Orzo Roasted Shrimp recipe is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dinner packed with zesty lemon, creamy feta, tender orzo, and juicy roasted shrimp. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families, casual entertaining, or a light, flavorful weeknight meal that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for added moisture)
Instructions
- Season & Roast the Shrimp: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 6–8 minutes until pink and firm.
- Cook the Orzo: Boil orzo in salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine orzo, lemon juice, lemon zest, feta, parsley, and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add pasta water if mixture is dry.
- Add Shrimp: Fold roasted shrimp into the orzo mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- Taste & Serve: Adjust seasoning with extra lemon or salt. Garnish with parsley and feta before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove from oven as soon as they curl and turn opaque.
- Always zest the lemon before juicing for maximum flavor.
- Use block feta for better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled.
- Add roasted veggies like zucchini or tomatoes for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood, Mediterranean
- Method: Roasting, Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Keywords: Lemon Feta Orzo Roasted Shrimp, Mediterranean shrimp orzo, shrimp and feta pasta, lemon shrimp dinner, healthy shrimp recipe
