Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Orzo
Everyone has loved the one pan meals lately! This Shrimp Scampi with Feta & Orzo recipe came about as a test for something I was craving in my mind. Everyone is familiar with Shrimp Scampi on its own, or even over a long noodle pasta, but I love the orzo option. I’ve written quite a few one pan meals that use orzo in them. It cooks fairly quickly and when you cook it in the same pan, it absorbs all of the flavors into the pasta.
I debated whether or not to add the feta cheese to the dish, as I said, it was only an idea in my mind, and I had no idea if it would come out to my liking. It was going against all of the typical rules of mixing seafood with cheese. However, the feta adds a nice tang without being overpowering and although I still don’t mix cheese with most seafood dishes, I’ll make an exception for shrimp.
When I posted this dish on Instagram, it was definitely one that got a lot of attention. It fits into that easy weekday cooking category that breaks away from the ho-hum basics. I hope you try it and add it to your weeknight cooking repertoire!
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Course
Entree
Cuisine
Italian
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced and divided
1 lemon, zested (divided) & juiced
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped, divided
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
1 lb. 16/20 shrimp
2 Tbs. butter
1 shallot, diced
1 lb. orzo
½ cup white wine
2 cups chicken stock
¼ cup crumbled feta
Instructions
1. Clean and devein shrimp.
2. Make a marinade with EVOO, ½ the minced garlic, ½ the lemon zest, 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the marinade for 30 mins.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, then add 2 Tbs. each of EVOO and butter.
4. Add shallot and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent, no browned. Add remaining garlic and cook 1 min. Add dry orzo, stir and toast in the pan for 2 mins.
5. Add wine, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add 1 cup chicken stock, ½ the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 mins. Until the orzo is cooked through. Keep an eye on the liquid and add more chicken stock if needed.
6. Add the shrimp, add 1 more cup of chicken stock, cover and cook for 4 mins. until shrimp are cooked through and no longer translucent and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
7. Sprinkle with remaining lemon juice and zest, remaining chopped parsley and feta cheese.