Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our irresistible Greek Orzo Kritharaki with Shrimp and Feta! This delightful dish combines tender orzo pasta, succulent shrimp, and creamy feta cheese for a meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with taste. In just 35 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with a gourmet experience that transports you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Keep reading to uncover the secrets to this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup kritharaki (orzo)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely. Ensure shrimp are completely peeled and deveined, patted dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add kritharaki (orzo) to the pan and toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the pasta with oil and prevent sticking.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pan, stirring to combine with the orzo. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to low-medium.
- Cover the pan and cook orzo for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping, until liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta is nearly tender.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the orzo, gently nestling them into the pasta. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Let sit covered for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to slightly melt.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon zest if desired. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, measure and prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure everything is at your fingertips.
- Perfect Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are completely peeled, deveined, and patted dry. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from affecting the dish.
- Sauté with Care: When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. You want it fragrant and golden, not burnt, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Toasting Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding the broth adds a nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Stir constantly to avoid sticking!
- Simmer Gently: When adding the vegetable broth, bring it to a gentle simmer and cover the pan. This helps the orzo cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Finishing Touches: Allow the feta cheese to sit on top of the dish for a few minutes after cooking. This will help it melt slightly and blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Garnish Wisely: For an extra burst of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 220mg
