Name: Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound 16/20 shrimp, peeled and deveined; Extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste; ½ cup orzo pasta; ½ yellow onion, diced; ½ red bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon dry oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ cup white wine (substitute fish stock or water); 14 ounces crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

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If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors and brings a delightful combination of textures and colors to your table, the Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe is your new best friend. This classic Greek-inspired meal features tender shrimp swimming in a luscious tomato sauce studded with vibrant red peppers, garlic, and rich crumbled feta, all served atop a comforting bed of orzo pasta. It’s an irresistible harmony of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy notes that’s surprisingly simple to create but feels like a special celebration with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal tray lined with light brown parchment paper holds several food items arranged neatly. From the bottom left corner there is a whole pale yellow onion, above it are five raw shrimp with a slight pink tint and grey shells. On the top center is a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley with bright green leaves. Four peeled garlic cloves sit next to the parsley. To the right are three small bowls, one orange bowl with dried herb flakes, a clear bowl with red pepper flakes, and a green bowl with cracked black pepper. At the far right top corner is a large red pepper. To the left side, outside the tray, there is a white bowl filled with light beige uncooked rice grains and a can with a tomato label on it. The tray is on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe calls for ingredients that are both straightforward and essential, each adding its own magic to the final dish. From the caramelized onions and peppers to the briny feta and aromatic herbs, every component plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and gorgeous color.

1 pound 16/20 shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for medium-large shrimp for the perfect meaty bite that won’t get lost in the sauce.
Extra-virgin olive oil: The foundation of so many Mediterranean dishes, it adds fruity richness and helps develop flavor during sautéing.
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper: Simple seasonings that allow the other ingredients to shine perfectly balanced.
½ cup orzo pasta: These tiny rice-shaped pastas soak up the sauce beautifully and offer a delightful chewy texture.
½ yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, forming the base for the sauce.
½ red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color and a fresh, mild sweetness that complements the shrimp.
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Provides aromatic punch that’s essential for that Greek-inspired flavor.
½ teaspoon dry oregano: This herb infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean warmth and earthiness.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a touch for subtle heat, lifting the tomato sauce without overpowering it.
½ cup white wine (or fish stock or water): Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, helping meld flavors and tenderize shrimp.
14 ounces crushed tomatoes: The heart of the dish, creating a rich, tangy sauce that hugs each shrimp and orzo grain.
1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a cheerful green pop.
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: The crowning glory that adds salty creaminess and authentic Greek character.

How to Make Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orzo

Start by cooking the orzo until just tender, following the package instructions but aiming for al dente. This way, the pasta will absorb plenty of the luscious sauce later without turning mushy. Drain and set aside while you build the flavorful base for your shrimp saganaki.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In a generous splash of extra-virgin olive oil, gently cook the diced onion and red bell pepper over medium heat until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This process draws out their natural sweetness, setting a delicious foundation. Then add the finely chopped garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring just until fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts to smell irresistibly inviting.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the white wine (or your chosen substitute) and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by about half. This step intensifies the flavors and cooks off the alcohol. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste, allowing all these bold flavors to harmonize beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering tomato sauce. Cook for around 3 to 5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn a perfect pink and curl slightly. Be cautious not to overcook to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 5: Combine with Orzo and Finish

Fold the cooked orzo gently into the shrimp and tomato mixture, making sure every grain is coated in the savory sauce. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for brightness and crumbled feta cheese for that signature salty creaminess that defines shrimp saganaki.

How to Serve Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe

A bowl with a white marbled texture holds a dish with two main layers: on one side, a bed of cooked orzo pasta in a pale yellow color, and on the other side, plump shrimp covered in a rich red tomato-based sauce that contains small red pepper pieces. The shrimp are light pink with a slightly shiny texture. Crumbled white cheese is scattered over the shrimp and sauce, adding small bright white spots. Fresh green herbs are finely chopped and sprinkled evenly over the entire dish, adding a fresh touch of green. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe by topping it with a few extra sprigs of fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of crumbled feta. A drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil on top just before serving will bring a lovely sheen and extra depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil to provide a refreshing contrast. Warm crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce, making the meal feel complete and extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe in shallow rustic bowls that highlight the vibrant reds and whites of the dish. You could also add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze a fresh citrus pop right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp and orzo will hold well for up to 2 days, making for a quick and tasty next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay but is best eaten fresh because the texture of the shrimp can become rubbery. If you do freeze it, place in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the shrimp tender and the orzo perfectly moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

What can I substitute for orzo?

If orzo is hard to find, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, or even couscous, can work as excellent alternatives to maintain that lovely texture.

Is this dish spicy?

Only lightly, thanks to the small amount of red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or leaving them out altogether depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa, and ensure any other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What wine pairs well with Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe?

A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko beautifully complements the bright acidity and seafood flavors in this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to something both comforting and exotic, the Shrimp Saganaki with Orzo Recipe is a must-try that brings a little Greek sunshine straight to your dinner table. It’s a cheerful, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite so get cooking and enjoy every savory, tangy, feta-filled bite!