Whole-Wheat Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Burst Tomatoes

Whole-Wheat Orzo with Shrimp, Feta & Burst Tomatoes

Mia

This vibrant one-pot Mediterranean dinner brings together the best of coastal Greek cooking in just 25 minutes. Plump shrimp nestle into tender whole-wheat orzo while cherry tomatoes burst into a naturally sweet sauce, creating a dish that's both wholesome and indulgent. The magic happens when briny feta cheese melts into the warm pasta, creating creamy pockets of tangy richness throughout.

What makes this recipe special is its effortless elegance. The whole-wheat orzo provides nutty flavor and fiber while maintaining a satisfying al dente texture that perfectly captures the garlicky, lemony sauce. As the tomatoes blister and release their juices, they create a light, fresh base that needs no heavy cream or butter—just pure Mediterranean simplicity.

This dish embodies the principles of the Mediterranean Diet: heart-healthy olive oil, lean protein from shrimp, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables, all enhanced with fresh herbs and quality feta. It's the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion but comes together faster than ordering delivery. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Nutrition

25 minutes
None servings
485 calories
Fat 16.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

12 ozwhole-wheat orzo pasta
3 tbspextra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 lblarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground, divided
4 clovesgarlic, minced
2 cupscherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 tspred pepper flakes
2 cupslow-sodium chicken broth
1 mediumlemon, zested and juiced
3 cupsfresh baby spinach, packed
6 ozfeta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cupfresh basil, torn or chopped
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
paper towels
tongs
chef's knife
zester or microplane
measuring cups and spoons
colander
large deep skillet or sauté pan

16:8 Diet

This balanced, nutrient-dense meal is perfect for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from whole-wheat orzo, quality protein from shrimp, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vitamins and minerals from vegetables. The satisfying combination helps practitioners meet nutritional needs within their compressed eating timeframe.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 principle with over 80% nutrient-dense whole foods including whole-wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, lean shrimp, olive oil, and fresh herbs, while allowing modest amounts of feta cheese for flavor. The emphasis on anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich ingredients aligns with the diet's focus on wholesome eating.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including omega-3-containing shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil, colorful vegetables (tomatoes, spinach), and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices (garlic, basil, parsley). The whole grains and absence of refined ingredients or processed foods further support the diet's inflammation-reducing goals.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including whole-wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, wild-caught shrimp, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs. Every ingredient is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by using low-sodium chicken broth, emphasizing vegetables (tomatoes, spinach), incorporating whole grains (whole-wheat orzo), featuring lean protein from shrimp, and relying on herbs, garlic, and lemon for flavor instead of excessive salt. The potassium-rich spinach and tomatoes further support the diet's cardiovascular benefits.

Flexible Dieting

This recipe demonstrates flexible dieting principles with nutrient-dense whole foods including lean protein (shrimp), whole grains (whole-wheat orzo), vegetables, and healthy fats that can easily fit into daily macro targets. The balanced, satisfying meal shows how wholesome ingredients can be enjoyed within a flexible approach to nutrition.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe fits the Flexitarian approach by featuring primarily plant-based ingredients (whole-wheat pasta, tomatoes, spinach, fresh herbs) with shrimp as a supporting lean protein source, emphasizing whole foods and minimizing processed ingredients while maintaining flexibility with moderate dairy from feta cheese.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe is excellent for heart health with lean protein from shrimp, whole grains from whole-wheat orzo, heart-healthy olive oil, and abundant vegetables rich in antioxidants and fiber. The low saturated fat content, minimal sodium (using low-sodium broth), and omega-3s from shrimp support cardiovascular wellness.

IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros)

This recipe is perfect for macro tracking with clearly portioned ingredients providing balanced macronutrients: lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from whole-wheat orzo, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta. The nutrient-dense whole foods make it easy to fit into daily macro targets while supporting fitness goals.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense one-pot meal is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing high-quality protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from whole-wheat orzo, healthy fats from olive oil, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from spinach and tomatoes to maximize nutritional value during limited eating periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe honors intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, flavorful meal that provides both pleasure and nourishment without restriction or guilt. The combination of textures, colors, and Mediterranean flavors creates an enjoyable eating experience that respects both taste preferences and gentle nutrition.

Macro Diet

This balanced recipe provides trackable macronutrients with substantial protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from whole-wheat orzo, and moderate healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese. The whole food ingredients and generous portions offer good satiety while being easy to log and fit into flexible macro targets.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This recipe follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing whole grains (whole-wheat orzo), abundant vegetables (tomatoes, spinach), lean protein from shrimp, and healthy fats from olive oil, while avoiding refined grains and processed ingredients. The nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced portions support sustainable, healthy eating.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that checks all the boxes: extra-virgin olive oil as the primary fat, whole-wheat orzo for whole grains, lean protein from shrimp, abundant vegetables (tomatoes, spinach), and heart-healthy ingredients enhanced with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. The use of feta cheese in moderation and the emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients perfectly embodies Mediterranean eating principles.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet staples including leafy greens (spinach), whole grains (whole-wheat orzo), olive oil as the primary fat, and shrimp as a lean protein source. The abundance of vegetables, herbs, and minimal saturated fat align perfectly with cognitive health principles.

Mindful Eating

This recipe is ideal for mindful eating with its vibrant colors, varied textures (tender shrimp, al dente orzo, burst tomatoes, creamy feta), and aromatic herbs that engage all the senses. The whole, minimally processed ingredients encourage slow, conscious consumption and appreciation of each component's natural flavors.

Weight Watchers

This recipe follows Weight Watchers principles with lean protein from shrimp, whole grains from whole-wheat orzo, abundant non-starchy vegetables (spinach, tomatoes), and minimal added fats. The nutrient-dense ingredients and balanced portions make it a satisfying, flavorful meal that supports weight management goals.

Instructions

1
10 min

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-wheat orzo according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2

While the orzo cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

1 min
3
2 min

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.

4
4 min

Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

5
1 min

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

6
4 min

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7
2 min

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to gently press on some tomatoes to release more juice. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

8

Add the cooked orzo to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato mixture. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb some of the liquid.

2 min
9

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to incorporate.

1 min
10

Remove the skillet from heat. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the crumbled feta cheese, gently folding everything together.

11

Top with torn fresh basil and chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot, with extra feta and lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions