Shrimp Giouvetsi

Step 1

Set the oven to 400°F and wait until the indicator light or beep tells you it has finished heating, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels by pressing each shrimp gently between two layers until no moisture remains, which helps them brown better.

Step 3

Measure 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 2-quart baking dish (a shallow ceramic or glass rectangular dish works best).

Step 4

Place the baking dish on the stovetop over medium-high heat and wait until the oil shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the dish, about 90 seconds.

Step 5

Add the diced onion to the hot oil and stir with a wooden spoon once every 15 seconds until the onion pieces turn translucent (almost see-through) at the edges, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until the garlic smells strongly fragrant and golden, then scrape the pan bottom with your spoon.

Step 7

Pour in the 1.5 cups of crushed tomatoes and 1.25 cups of broth, then stir with the wooden spoon until the liquids are mixed together, about 15 seconds.

Step 8

Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over the liquid and stir once with the wooden spoon to distribute the oregano throughout.

Step 9

Pour the 1 cup of dry orzo directly into the baking dish and stir with the wooden spoon for about 20 seconds until the pasta is mostly submerged and the liquid looks even.

Step 10

Remove the baking dish from the heat using oven mitts, then arrange the 10 ounces of shrimp on the surface in a single layer, pressing gently so they nestle into the pasta.

Step 11

Sprinkle the 0.5 cup of crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and pasta so the pieces are distributed across the surface.

Step 12

Carefully slide the baking dish into the center of the preheated 400°F oven using oven mitts, then set a timer for 15 minutes.

Step 13

After the timer goes off, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven using oven mitts and check that the shrimp are opaque pink (no translucent gray) and curl into a loose C shape.

Step 14

Let the baking dish rest on the countertop for 3 minutes so the pasta continues to absorb the sauce and the dish cools enough to serve safely.

Step 15

Stir the entire dish gently with a spoon to mix the feta cheese throughout the orzo and distribute the shrimp evenly, then divide between two bowls and serve immediately.