If you’re in search of a hearty, vibrant dish that sings with flavor, look no further than the **One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo**. This delightful recipe brings together succulent shrimp, tangy feta, and spicy harissa in a comforting orzo dish that’s all cooked in one pot, making dinner both delicious and simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: With the entire meal cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Flavor Bomb: Each bite is an explosion of flavors with spicy harissa, creamy feta, and juicy shrimp all lending their unique elements.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the simple yet essential ingredients that make this One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo truly stand out. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in adding texture, depth, or color to the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and flavor while helping to cook the shrimp and develop the base of the dish.
- Raw shrimp: Provides a protein-packed, juicy element that pairs wonderfully with the spicy harissa.
- Harissa: The star of the show, this spice paste brings a warm, fiery kick that enlivens the entire dish.
- Orzo pasta: A tender, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully and keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top, this cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy, savory notes.
Variations
Feel free to put your spin on this recipe! Whether you want to adapt it to different dietary needs or enhance it based on your taste preferences, these variations will make the One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo uniquely yours.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian delight that still packs protein and flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for additional color and nutrition without altering the cooking process.
How to Make One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
In a large pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, cooking for two minutes on each side until they turn opaque and rosy. Season with half the salt and pepper, then remove the shrimp from the pan to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, followed by shallots and garlic. Sauté until they soften, releasing their aromatics. Stir in the orzo and harissa, ensuring every grain of orzo is gloriously coated and lightly toasted.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Pour in the vegetable broth and fire-roasted tomatoes, increasing the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Simmer on medium-low, covered, for about 15 minutes until the orzo is al dente, absorbing all those rich, spicy flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts beautifully. Return the shrimp to the pot for a final, coating in the tasty sauce. Finish with crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon, and garnishes of parsley.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo
- Sear the Shrimp Right: Cook shrimp until just opaque. Avoid overcooking, or they’ll become tough and chewy.
- Adjust Harissa Spice: Taste-test your harissa before adding. Some brands are hotter than others, so start with less if you’re unsure.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the boil gentle to allow the orzo to cook evenly and absorb all those rich flavors.
- Fresh Lemon Finish: A final squeeze of lemon brightens and balances the dish’s rich, spicy profile.
How to Serve One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo
Garnishes
Garnish this beautiful One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo with extra crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and a few lemon wedges on each plate. These fresh, colorful elements enhance both the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a meal in itself, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or some hearty roasted vegetables for a balanced spread that complements the bold flavors of the harissa shrimp and feta orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For a table-ready presentation, serve it directly from the pot at the center of your table, allowing the vivid reds and greens of the orzo and spinach to invite your guests to dig in. Don’t forget a ladle for easy scooping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers of the One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo to an airtight container, and they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining all their delicious flavors.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze quite as well due to the shrimp and spinach, which may become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as described above for optimal texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy texture, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring well to distribute the heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative of similar size and shape to maintain the dish’s texture.
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What is the best way to adjust the spice level?
Start with one tablespoon of harissa and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicier, or reduce based on your preference.
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before searing to ensure they cook properly and develop a nice texture.
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Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Certainly! Diced chicken breast or thighs make a great substitute; just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Final Thoughts
The One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo is a warming, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and delightful results make it a dinner winner any night of the week. Give it a try and embrace the hearty simplicity!
Print
One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One Pot Harissa Shrimp and Feta Orzo is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender shrimp, aromatic harissa, and creamy feta all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful balance of spice, acidity, and freshness with spinach and lemon added at the end.
Ingredients
For the main ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 lb. raw peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. harissa
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3 to 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 lemon, divided
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Optional garnish
- Extra feta cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan with a fitted lid over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp seasoned with ½ teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon black pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until opaque and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a clean bowl and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the chopped shallots and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes while stirring often until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the orzo and add harissa: Stir in the orzo and harissa, coating the grains well. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the orzo.
- Simmer the mixture: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the orzo is cooked through.
- Add spinach and shrimp: Remove the lid, stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the cooked shrimp back to the pot. Cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to rewarm the shrimp.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and squeeze juice from half a lemon over the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley. Slice the remaining lemon into wedges and serve alongside, topping with extra feta and parsley if desired.
Notes
- Harissa spice level varies by brand; taste and adjust the amount accordingly for milder or spicier heat.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles.
- You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or adjusting spice levels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 496 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
