Orzo & Honey Glazed Shrimp

Recipe Directions

1. For best results, take the shrimp out of the refrigerator 5 minutes before starting to cook. If you skip this step, you may need to cook the shrimp longer than this recipe card indicates.
2. Fill a 4-6 quart pot 2/3 full with water. Put the pot on the stove over high heat. Add 2 tbsp of salt to the water. (The water should taste salty). Bring to a boil and add the orzo (a). Stir once. Cook for 11 minutes.
3. While the orzo is cooking, heat a skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan has warmed up, add 1 tbsp of oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the asparagus, tomatoes, leeks and zucchini (b) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes.
4. After 2 minutes, pour the lemon feta sauce (c) into the pan. Stir well with a wooden spoon to incorporate the sauce with the vegetables. Bring the mixture up to a simmer, and then turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer for 1 minute. Then turn off the heat but keep the pan on the burner.
5. When the orzo has finished cooking, pour into a strainer in your sink to drain the water. Add the cooked orzo back to the pot (over a cold burner). Add the vegetables in lemon feta sauce to the pot. Stir well to incorporate everything together.
6. Cut open the package of shrimp (d) and place on a plate lined with paper towel. Let the shrimp sit for 1-2 minutes to drain any excess moisture, then discard the paper towel. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the honey lemon glaze (e) over the shrimp. Use tongs to turn the shrimp over a few times until they are coated.;Carefully wipe out the pan you were using for the vegetables. Place back over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. When the pan has warmed up, add 1 tbsp of oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan.Add the shrimp to the pan. Spread the shrimp out so that each piece is touching the bottom of the pan. Sear for 90 seconds, then flip each piece over and sear the other side for 90 seconds (or until the shrimp is opaque and pink).
7. Add the baby spinach (f) to the pot of orzo and vegetables. Stir to incorporate. Spoon the orzo vegetable mixture on to your serving plates. Place honey lemon shrimp on top.