Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo is a flavorful Greek dish made with white wine and feta cheese. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, it's simple, flavorful and delicious
Shrimp Orzo is a popular Greek dish. Despite its Italian origin, orzo is popular throughout the Mediterranean, especially in Greece and the Middle East cuisine. Orzo itself is an Italian pasta shaped like a large grain of rice, and its name in Italian means "barley".
I have been cooking Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo for years, and it's absolutely magical! I think you'll be excited about all the amazing Mediterranean flavors in this dish, but creamy white wine sauce is definitely the secret sauce here.
Shrimp Orzo Ingredients
- Shrimp - Make sure to use large raw shrimp. I usually peel it myself and leave the tails on.
- Orzo - Rice shaped pasta sold in any supermarket.
- Wine - Always use drinking wine when making orzo. I love Pinot Grigio - it's affordable, has a nice flavor and is a neutral dry white wine perfect for Mediterranean cooking.
- Garlic, salt & Italian seasoning - I used freshly minced garlic and sea salt.
How to make Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo
Cook orzo: The entire process is very simple - let's start by cooking orzo in a large saucepan in salty boiling water. I add about 1 teaspoon of salt to make water noticeably salty; and stir a few times to prevent the grains from sticking together. Cook stirring occasionally, until al dente or softer depending on desired texture. Drain, rinse with cold water and toss with desired sauce.
Cook shrimp: In a large bowl pat the shrimps dry with paper towel, and mix them with salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Next melt 1 tbsp. of butter in a large, non-stick skillet on medium heat. Now add shrimp and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until it cooks through.
To make the sauce, add butter to the pan first. Once melted, add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Now add wine and cook for a couple of minutes. Next add heavy cream and once the liquid is simmering, add cooked orzo, salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
You are now ready to add feta to the dish! Use crumbled feta and sprinkle generously on top of orzo.
Finally, add the shrimp back to the pan and reheat it over slow heat.
FAQ
Is Orzo same as rice? Rice and orzo share similar characteristics, but the two foods are not identical. If anyone ever asks you to explain the difference between rice and orzo-simply remember: orzo is rice-shaped pasta, made from white flour, and is not gluten free.
Can I make this gluten free? You can use risotto (or Arborio) rice instead of orzo, it's always a great gluten-free option in cooking.
Can I use Quinoa instead? I don't recommend substituting orzo with quinoa because quinoa is small and grainy and just doesn't have the right texture.
What goes well with Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo
To go alongside this Greek style shrimp orzo, I like to serve it with Mediterranean Bread add a nice green salad.
In case your family isn't begging for more by the time dinner is over, this shrimp orzo pasta reheats well for lunch the next day!
As the weeknights get busier and busier, do yourself a favor and whip up this 30 minute Mediterranean shrimp orzo pasta!
More delicious orzo recipes
Instant Pot Orzo with Shrimp, Tomatoes and Feta
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
Delicious pasta recipes
Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 lb. shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon butter divided
- ½ onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- Parsley to garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl pat the shrimps dry with paper towel, and mix them with salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Melt 1 tbsp. of butter in a large, non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add shrimp and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, just until it cooks through.
- Meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Remove the shrimps from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp. of butter and melt until it just starts to brown. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant.
- Once the garlic is cooked, add wine and cook for a couple of minutes. Next add heavy cream and once the liquid is simmering, add cooked orzo, salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and mix with orzo. Now add shrimp back into the skillet and reheat. Serve with chopped parsley.
Patty says
This is sooo good! I’ve made it before as is and it was great! Today I made it but added some diced red peppers and zucchini because I needed to use them and I didn’t have feta so I just used fresh grated parm and it was amazing! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe! It’s great as is but also very versatile. My kind of recipe!
Terri says
This is fabulous!
Unique says
One of our favorites! My husband wants it every week. Thank you!
Susan says
What can i use other than wine? I dont drink so dont have on hand and dont want to buy a bottle just for this
Olya says
You can use fresh lemon juice and chicken stock instead.
Bonnie says
They sell these 4 packs of little bottles. I think 1 bottle is maybe equivalent to a cup? Thats what I usually have on hand for recipes.
Lauren says
Doubled the recipe. So glad I did!
Used parm cheese, whole grain orzo and cooked that in unsalted chicken stock. Will define making this again soon!
Olya says
So glad you made the recipe, Lauren!
Travis says
Made this tonight but we added 1/2 cup diced andouille sausage and thin sliced portobellos. Really good recipe!
Olya says
Thank you Travis. Mushrooms fit well here.
Adele says
Can you cook everything a little ahead and then combine and reheat?
Olya says
Yes - abosulutely!
Debbie says
Hi is it possible to halve this recipe
Olya says
Of course
Diane says
I made this tonight and it was quick, easy and delicious. I might tweak it with mozzarella cheese instead of feta and use a different pasta, my husband didn’t like the risotto. I loved it!
Olya says
So glad you enjoyed it and definitely using different kind of pasta will be great here!
Heather Newcomb says
Orzo and risotto are 2 different things. Orzo is a pasta. Risotto is a rice. I think Orzo is perfect for this recipe.
Sue says
This was delicious, I will definitely make this again!!!
Olya says
Wonderful, Sue!