Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Orzo with Feta Crumble

This Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Orzo delivers big Mediterranean flavor with a high-protein twist on classic pasta night. Juicy shrimp are seared until golden in a fiery chili-garlic infused olive oil, then tossed with tender orzo, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a generous crumble of briny feta cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a handful of chopped parsley brighten every bite, making this dish feel indulgent while staying light and nutrient-dense. With over 30 grams of protein per serving thanks to the shrimp and orzo pairing, this dinner supports muscle maintenance and satiety without sacrificing flavor. It comes together in under 35 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you still want something that tastes like it took real effort. The combination of garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest creates layers of heat and brightness that play beautifully against the creamy, salty feta. Perfect for anyone following a high-protein eating pattern, this recipe proves that nutritious meals don't have to be boring or repetitive. Serve it on its own as a complete meal, or pair it with a simple arugula salad for added greens. Leftovers reheat well, making it a great option for meal prep too.

Ingredients

• 8 ozorzo pasta, dry
• 1.5 lblarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbspolive oil, divided
• 6 clovesgarlic, minced
• 1.5 tspred pepper flakes, adjust to taste
• 2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.75 cupfeta cheese, crumbled
• 1 wholefresh lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped
• to tastesalt
• to tasteblack pepper
• 0.25 cupchicken broth, or reserved pasta water

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. 9:00
2. Drain the orzo in a colander, reserving a quarter cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
3. While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 0:30
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and sear until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip. 4:00
6. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet.
7. Add the remaining olive oil and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until the tomatoes begin to blister and soften, about 4 minutes. 4:00
8. Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
9. Add the cooked orzo back into the skillet along with the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine everything evenly.
10. Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the orzo mixture, warming through for about a minute. 1:00
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
12. Plate the shrimp and orzo, then sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.