Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes

The tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs mingles with the briny scent of the sea in this vibrant Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together plump, succulent shrimp, tender orzo pasta, and the bold flavors of feta, Kalamata olives, and juicy tomatoes in one satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this colorful one-pot wonder captures the essence of Greek cuisine with minimal effort and maximum impact. You’ll learn how to create this balanced, flavor-packed dish that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes is a game-changer for your recipe collection. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – everything cooks in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh, with the creamy orzo providing a satisfying base while the bright Mediterranean flavors keep it feeling light.

The contrasting textures make every bite interesting – from the tender, perfectly cooked shrimp to the chewy pasta, creamy feta, and meaty olives. The flavors build upon each other in layers: the sweet tomatoes, salty feta, briny olives, and garlicky shrimp create a symphony of taste that feels sophisticated yet accessible.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or cooking novice, this Mediterranean shrimp pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward techniques. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining guests who will undoubtedly ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

For this Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ cups (300g) orzo pasta
• 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup (100g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 6 oz (170g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red onion, finely diced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2½ cups (590ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional)
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried dill
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The star ingredient is obviously the shrimp – look for fresh, plump ones for the best flavor. Quality feta makes a significant difference here; traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s milk offers the most authentic taste with its perfect balance of creaminess and tang.

Pro Tips

Properly Cook the Shrimp: The most common mistake with this Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes is overcooking the shrimp. For perfectly tender results, add the shrimp only in the final few minutes of cooking. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque but still have a slight bounce to them – about 2-3 minutes. Remember that residual heat will continue cooking them even after removing from heat, so err on the side of undercooking.

Master the Orzo Texture: Orzo can quickly go from perfectly al dente to mushy. Start checking it 2 minutes before the package instructions indicate. The orzo should have a slight resistance when bitten but no crunchy center. For this Mediterranean shrimp dish, keeping the orzo slightly al dente provides the perfect texture contrast with the tender shrimp.

Create Flavor Layers: Build complexity by first sautéing the aromatics properly. Let the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized before adding garlic (which burns easily). Deglaze with white wine, scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the pan bottom. This creates a depth of flavor that distinguishes restaurant-quality cooking from basic home cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Aromatics
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for just 1 minute per side until they begin to turn pink but aren’t fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside – they’ll finish cooking later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic foundation will infuse the entire dish with Mediterranean flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the orzo and stir to coat in the flavored oil for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, add half of the lemon zest, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking
When the orzo is almost tender but still has a slight bite, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Return the partially cooked shrimp to the pan, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, remaining lemon zest, and most of the crumbled feta (reserve some for topping). Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and the reserved feta before serving your Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo: Not a fan of seafood? This Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes works beautifully with diced chicken breast or thighs instead. Season and brown the chicken before setting aside, then return it to the pan about 5 minutes before the orzo is done to ensure it cooks through completely.

Vegetarian Greek Orzo: Create a satisfying meatless version by omitting the shrimp and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 1 cup of chickpeas and 1 cup of diced zucchini or eggplant for protein and substance. The feta still provides the dish’s signature salty creaminess, making this variation just as delicious as the original.

Spicy Greek Orzo with Shrimp: For heat lovers, amplify the spice level by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 finely diced fresh jalapeños when sautéing the onions. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of harissa paste for a North African-inspired twist that complements the Mediterranean flavor profile while adding pleasant warmth.

Storage and Serving

This Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the orzo, which will have absorbed liquid while stored. Warm gently over medium-low heat or microwave at 70% power to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

For serving, transform this versatile dish into a complete meal with a few complementary sides. A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the warm, creamy orzo. Alternatively, serve with warm pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

For an elegant presentation, serve in shallow bowls with a lemon wedge on the side and a drizzle of your best olive oil. A glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect pairing to cut through the richness of the feta and complement the Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well in Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and to prevent excess water in the dish.

What can I substitute for orzo?
If you can’t find orzo, other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. For a grain-free option, try cauliflower rice, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time.

Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes a moderate amount of red pepper flakes, providing a mild warmth rather than significant heat. Adjust the quantity up or down based on your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the components up to the point of adding the shrimp. When ready to serve, bring the orzo mixture to a simmer, add the shrimp, and finish cooking. This prevents overcooking the shrimp during reheating.

What type of feta cheese is best?
Traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s milk offers the most authentic flavor, but any feta will work. For the creamiest result, use feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties.

Conclusion

This Greek Shrimp with Orzo, Feta, Olives, and Tomatoes is comfort food at its finest — vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing the flavors of a Greek seaside taverna to your dining table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality results while keeping cleanup simple. Make this your new go-to for an impressive yet effortless meal that celebrates the perfect harmony of seafood, pasta, and classic Greek ingredients.

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