Samantha Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp is my answer to dinner when I want something fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor. From the first time I made it, this one-pan Mediterranean shrimp orzo became a staple in my weekly meal prep rotation. The juicy shrimp cook up in minutes and pair perfectly with creamy crumbles of feta, tender orzo pasta, and bright lemon zest. The combination delivers restaurant-quality flavor with ingredients I usually have on hand.
What I love most is how balanced it is. You’ve got protein from the shrimp, complex carbs from the orzo, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta. Add in spinach or arugula and some fresh herbs, and you’ve got a colorful, nourishing dish that hits every note—tangy, salty, herby, and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a healthy shrimp dinner, something for meal prep, or a cozy dish that still feels light, this recipe has you covered.
Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp – Bright, Creamy Mediterranean-Inspired Dinner in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a pot of salted water and cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, half the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked orzo, lemon juice, remaining zest, and feta.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
Secret Tips for Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
1. Sear the shrimp quickly for maximum juiciness: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery fast. For this Mediterranean-inspired dinner, cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for just 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. This keeps them tender and lets the bright lemon flavor shine through. 2. Use fresh lemon zest and juice: Don’t rely on bottled lemon juice—it can dull the flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring out the brightness in this lemon feta orzo shrimp dish and balance the richness of the feta perfectly. 3. Stir the feta in off the heat: To keep the texture creamy and avoid a grainy consistency, remove your orzo from the heat before adding crumbled feta. This technique creates a velvety sauce without clumping—essential for a creamy orzo recipe. 4. Reserve some pasta water: Before draining the orzo, save a bit of that starchy cooking liquid. It’s a secret weapon for thinning the sauce slightly and helping everything coat beautifully without adding more cream or fat. 5. Choose good-quality shrimp: For this easy weeknight shrimp dinner, opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced shrimp. They have better texture and flavor, which is crucial in a dish where shrimp are the star. 6. Add herbs at the end for a fresh pop: Mediterranean dishes thrive on freshness. Toss in chopped parsley, basil, or even dill at the very end to highlight the lemony orzo and feta combo without overpowering the shrimp. 7. Make it meal prep friendly: This dish reheats well if you store the orzo and shrimp separately. For creamy texture the next day, splash a bit of water or lemon juice over the orzo before microwaving. It’s a top-tier 30-minute shrimp recipe that’s just as good on day two.Recipe Overview
- Course: Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Main Ingredients: Shrimp, orzo, feta, lemon, spinach
- Best For: Quick dinners, meal prep, healthy comfort food
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 375 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Budget Breakdown
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
| Shrimp (1 lb) | $8.00 |
| Orzo (1 cup) | $1.50 |
| Feta Cheese | $2.50 |
| Fresh Lemon | $0.75 |
| Spinach | $2.00 |
| Olive Oil, Garlic | $1.25 |
| Herbs & Spices | $0.75 |
| Total | $16.75 |
| Cost/Serving | $4.19 |
Behind the Recipe
This Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp dish was born out of a trip to a seaside café where I ordered a warm shrimp pasta tossed with lemon and feta. It was so simple, yet unforgettable. I immediately went home and started experimenting to recreate it with a weeknight-friendly spin. I swapped in orzo for a more satisfying, risotto-like bite and kept the shrimp as the star. A few test batches later, I landed on this version, and let me tell you—it’s a keeper.
Over time, I started adding extras like baby spinach for color and nutrition, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat. What I love most is how flexible this dish is. You can meal prep it, dress it up for date night, or even toss it into a thermos for a warm lunch. This one really is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a standout dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
A Flavor-Packed, High-Protein Shrimp Meal
When you need a quick, satisfying dinner that still feels light and fresh, lemon feta orzo shrimp is my go-to. Shrimp delivers lean, high-quality protein and cooks up in just minutes, making this dish ideal for clean eating, busy weeknights, or post-workout meals. The creamy feta, tangy lemon, and tender orzo turn a handful of simple ingredients into a craveable, high-protein Mediterranean meal.
And it’s not just tasty—it’s nutrient-dense, too. Shrimp is rich in vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, and low in calories and saturated fat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, seafood like shrimp supports heart and brain health and is an excellent source of lean protein—perfect if you’re watching your macros or following a Mediterranean diet.
Quick-Cooking Orzo Means Fast Weeknight Wins
If you’ve never cooked with orzo, let me tell you—this tiny pasta is a lifesaver. Orzo cooks faster than most grains and provides a risotto-like creaminess without needing constant stirring. In this lemon feta orzo shrimp recipe, it soaks up all the fresh lemon juice, garlic, and savory shrimp juices, giving you that “restaurant-quality” texture in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to weeknight skillet meals or a seasoned meal prepper, this dish is a must-try.
Balanced Macros for Meal Prep or Light Dinner
Lemon feta orzo shrimp is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but checks all the nutritional boxes. You’ve got high-protein shrimp, fiber-packed orzo, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta. It’s satisfying without being heavy, reheats well, and stores beautifully for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a macro-balanced dinner or a light high-protein lunch, this recipe fits the bill without a single compromise on flavor.
Mediterranean-Inspired but Totally Customizable
I love how adaptable this recipe is. Add arugula, baby spinach, or kale if you want to sneak in more greens. Want to bump up the tang? Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives. If feta isn’t your favorite, swap it out with goat cheese or even ricotta salata. This is one of those dishes that can change with the seasons and still feel like a comforting, wholesome meal.
Looking for another Mediterranean-inspired dinner that’s quick, high in protein, and totally meal prep–worthy? Check out my One-Pan Cheesy Meat & Potato Skillet – Easy Weeknight Dinner with Ground Beef, Potatoes & Melted Cheese
Perfect For
Quick Weeknight Dinners
When time is short but flavor still matters, lemon feta orzo shrimp is your go-to. This dish takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and uses simple pantry staples with a Mediterranean twist. Whether you’re balancing work, kids, or just craving a fast yet fresh dinner, this protein-packed shrimp skillet saves the day.
Light Meal Prep with Big Flavor
Meal prep doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. Portion this lemon feta orzo shrimp into containers, and you’ve got a flavorful, high-protein lunch ready to go. The orzo holds up beautifully in the fridge, and a quick reheat with a fresh squeeze of lemon brings everything back to life. It’s one of my favorite meal prep recipes when I want something satisfying but still light.
Date Night Without the Fuss
Looking to impress without making a mess? This dish feels upscale—tender shrimp, creamy feta, lemony brightness, and herbaceous notes all plated in under 30 minutes. Serve with a glass of crisp white wine and a side salad, and you’ve got a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant.
Mediterranean Diet Followers
This lemon feta orzo shrimp recipe fits right into a heart-healthy Mediterranean meal plan. It’s full of lean protein, healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, and whole grains. The Cleveland Clinic highlights how Mediterranean-style meals like this can support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity.
Craving another easy Mediterranean skillet that’s packed with lean protein and veggies? Don’t miss my One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Easy Skillet Dinner with Ground Beef & Parmesan Sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Ingredient Highlights
Shrimp
Lean, fast-cooking, and packed with protein. I use large shrimp for their meaty texture, but medium works too.
Orzo
A rice-shaped pasta that cooks in under 10 minutes and soaks up flavor like a dream.
Feta
Tangy, creamy, and salty—this Mediterranean cheese adds bold flavor in small amounts.
Lemon
Brightens the entire dish with acidity and freshness.
Spinach
Adds fiber, iron, and color without overwhelming the skillet.
How to Make It
- Cook the Orzo: Boil a pot of salted water and cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, half the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Everything: Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked orzo, lemon juice, remaining zest, and feta.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They turn rubbery fast. Look for opaque flesh and light pink color.
- Reserve Pasta Water: A tablespoon or two can help loosen the sauce if it thickens.
- Use Good Feta: Block-style feta in brine has better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: They really elevate the brightness of the final dish.
Easy Variations
Mediterranean Chickpea Orzo Skillet
For a vegetarian twist on this lemon feta orzo shrimp recipe, swap the shrimp for canned chickpeas and toss in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. You’ll still get that Mediterranean flavor profile with added plant-based protein and fiber. Chickpeas are a great source of iron and support muscle recovery, as noted by Healthline.
Creamy Greek Yogurt Version
Want a richer texture without heavy cream? Stir in 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt right before serving. It blends beautifully with the feta and lemon juice to create a tangy, protein-boosted sauce. This variation is perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein pasta meal that still feels light.
Roasted Veggie Add-In
Level up the texture and nutrition of your lemon feta orzo shrimp by adding roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant make amazing additions. Just roast them beforehand and fold them in before serving to keep the orzo creamy and the shrimp tender.
Spicy Lemon Shrimp Orzo
If you’re a fan of heat, this version is for you. Add a generous pinch of red chili flakes to the skillet when sautéing garlic. The kick balances perfectly with the coolness of the feta and the brightness of the lemon, turning this high-protein seafood pasta into a bold, flavor-packed dish.
Looking for another light seafood meal that’s perfect for meal prep? Don’t miss my Protein-Packed Tuna Garbanzo Bean Salad – Easy No-Cook High-Protein Meal Prep Lunch
Storage & Reheat Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts with a splash of water or lemon juice.
- Freezer: Not recommended—shrimp and orzo can get mushy after thawing.
Make It a Meal
- Salmon & Lentil Salad – Light, protein-packed side
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – Cozy comfort food combo
- Berry Lemonade Slush Punch – Bright, refreshing drink to balance the citrusy pasta
Find even more dinner inspiration under One-Pan Dinner, High-Protein Dinner, and Comfort Food Dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best shrimp to use for lemon feta orzo shrimp?
Large or jumbo raw shrimp work best for this Mediterranean skillet meal. I always go for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time and avoid fuss during weeknight prep.
Can I use frozen shrimp in lemon feta orzo shrimp recipes?
Absolutely. Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture. Frozen shrimp are a great option for keeping this dish accessible and budget-friendly.
Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made with semolina wheat and is not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free orzo options made from corn, rice, or quinoa. Always read the ingredient list on the package to be sure.
Can I make this lemon feta shrimp dish ahead for meal prep?
Yes, and it holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to prep ahead, store the lemon juice separately and add it fresh when reheating to brighten up the flavor.
How do I add more protein to lemon feta orzo shrimp?
For extra protein, double up on the shrimp, or stir in a scoop of plain Greek yogurt at the end for creaminess. Chickpeas or white beans are also excellent protein-boosting add-ins without altering the flavor too much.
Is feta cheese healthy?
Yes, in moderation. Feta is naturally lower in calories and fat than hard cheeses and is rich in calcium and B vitamins. Healthline highlights that it contains probiotics that may benefit gut health.
Can I add more vegetables to this lemon feta shrimp skillet?
Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, or olives all make great additions that blend beautifully with the bright lemon and salty feta flavors.
What herbs work best in a lemon feta orzo shrimp dish?
Fresh herbs elevate this dish. I love using parsley or dill for freshness, but basil or oregano work well too—especially if you’re aiming for stronger Mediterranean notes.
Can I serve lemon feta orzo shrimp cold as a salad?
Yes! Chill it after cooking, drizzle with extra olive oil and lemon juice, and serve as a high-protein pasta salad. It’s refreshing and perfect for warm-weather lunches.
How do I make lemon feta orzo shrimp dairy-free?
You can skip the feta and replace it with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Just be sure to amp up the seasoning a bit since feta provides a salty, tangy punch.
What are the benefits of eating shrimp regularly?
Shrimp is low in calories and high in lean protein, omega-3s, and selenium. WebMD notes that shrimp can support heart and brain health while keeping your meals light but satisfying.
Is lemon orzo shrimp good for weight management?
Yes—this dish is well-balanced with lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and satisfying carbs. It’s portion-controlled, high in nutrients, and naturally supports satiation, which helps reduce overeating.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp recipe is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel just a little more special. It comes together quickly, is full of protein and nutrients, and has that craveable tangy-creamy balance that I just can’t resist. It’s proof that simple ingredients—when layered thoughtfully—can deliver bold, fresh flavor with very little effort.
If you’re looking to bring more Mediterranean-style recipes into your routine or need a new high-protein, one-pan meal to keep things interesting, this one deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. And once you try it, I know it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too.
“Lemony shrimp, creamy orzo, and salty feta—this skillet dinner is light, bright, and unforgettable.” – Sam
📌 Pin & Share the Love
✨ Love this Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp? Pin it to your Healthy Dinner Ideas or Mediterranean Favorites board and tag us @readyprepmeals!
📌 Pin This Recipe: Lemon Feta Orzo Shrimp
Fresh shrimp, creamy orzo, tangy lemon, and briny feta come together in this one-skillet Mediterranean-inspired meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
