This Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo recipe combines the vibrant flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with succulent shrimp and tender orzo, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients. The Mediterranean diet is all about healthy ingredients with lots of flavor. I, for one, love the zesty and salty flavors offered by the Mediterranean diet, especially when it comes to ingredients such as olives and sun-dried tomatoes! I would literally put those in everything I eat if I could. On top of those, the garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika come together to add a flavorful and aromatic marinade for the shrimp.

And of course, there’s the orzo. I highly recommend always having a pack of orzo at your disposal because it is so versatile. It’s easy to cook and there are so many delicious recipes you can make with it! For this recipe, the orzo is cooked in a pot of chicken stock until it absorbs all the flavor and is perfectly tender.

Bringing it All Together

Don’t let the long list of ingredients scare you! This Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo is actually incredibly easy and quick to put together. And most of the ingredients are really just spices and herbs. 😉 You’ll start by marinating and cooking the shrimp and then the orzo. Afterwards, you’ll simply mix the rest of the ingredients in and let everything come together for a harmoniously delicious blend of flavors.

A Versatile Recipe

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, substitute it with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dish.

Enjoy a Taste of the Mediterranean!

This Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s a dish that will bring the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Give it a try, and let the flavors transport you to a sunny, seaside locale!

TRY THESE OTHER MEDITERRANEAN DISHES NEXT!

Mediterranean Shrimp & Orzo Recipe

Course: Main Course, SeafoodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

559

kcal

Ingredients

FOR SHRIMP
40 oz medium shrimp
7 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
3-4 Tbs olive oil
FOR ORZO
16 oz orzo
4.5 cups chicken stock
8 oz sun dried tomatoes, drained & chopped (reserve 1 tbs of oil)
1 Tbs reserved olive oil from sun dried tomatoes
6 oz black olives, chopped
6 oz green olives, chopped
2 Tbs lemon juice
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
5 oz spinach
6 oz crumbled feta cheese (for topping)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, add the shrimp and marinate it with the garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika and red pepper flakes
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat
In batches, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook one side of the shrimp for 3 minutes, flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. Repeat until all the shrimp is cooked. Remove all the shrimp from the skillet and set aside for now
In the same skillet, add the orzo and chicken stock. Mix well and bring to a boil
Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through and all the water is absorbed (mix regularly to avoid sticking)
Uncover and add the olives, sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and reserved olive oil. Mix well
Remove from heat and add the spinach and shrimp. Mix until the spinach wilts
Serve and top with feta cheese as desired

Notes

Calories & Nutritional Info may vary based on different brands and ingredients used. Nutritional Info below was calculated using Very Fit Well’s Nutrition Calculator.