One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that comes together in no time, you’ve found it! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a go-to recipe in my kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The beauty of this dish is not just in its taste but also in its simplicity—everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish always impresses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just one pan and straightforward steps, making this dish is quick and stress-free!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy orzo combined with tender shrimp.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a speedy dinner.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a rich and satisfying meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Adjust the recipe easily to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delicious dish! You likely have most of them already in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Main Dish

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best for a satisfying bite.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth infuses the orzo with savory flavor.
• White Apple Vinegar: ½ cup (optional). Adds depth and acidity; substitute with extra chicken broth if preferred.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. It forms the aromatic base of the dish.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Essential for flavoring the shrimp and orzo beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated offers the richest flavor.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Adds richness and creates a velvety texture in the sauce.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Helps sauté the aromatics while adding richness.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Great for sautéing while adding healthy fats.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Brightens all flavors in the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds freshness to each bite!
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For those who enjoy a little heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp for a different twist!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for those who like an extra kick of heat!
• Use different cheese: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even feta for a tangy variation.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened—this usually takes about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for an additional minute until fragrant. Sautéing these ingredients builds a flavorful foundation that makes every bite irresistible!

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next, toss in the orzo pasta into your skillet and toast it lightly for about one to two minutes while stirring constantly. This step enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it into the skillet now; let it simmer briefly while scraping up any lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to add your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low; cover your skillet and let it simmer for ten to twelve minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and your orzo is almost cooked through.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in shrimp so they nestle among the orzo—make sure they’re mostly submerged! Cover again and cook an additional three to five minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them; shrimp cook quickly!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove your skillet from heat now! Stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything is melted together into creamy perfection. The residual heat will do wonders here!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Finally, stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley—tasting as you go! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This brightens up all those rich flavors beautifully!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right from your skillet! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy every warm, creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Making this delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp can be a breeze with a few handy tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and parsley make a noticeable difference in flavor. They enhance the overall taste and aroma, ensuring your dish is as vibrant as possible.

• Toast the Orzo: Lightly toasting the orzo before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and improves its ability to absorb broth, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque.

• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This ensures that all the flavors are balanced perfectly according to your preference.

• Experiment with Broth: If you want to switch things up, try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner. Here’s how you can present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before eating adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Extra parsley or even some chives sprinkled on top can add a burst of color and freshness.
• Additional Grated Parmesan: Serving with extra cheese provides an inviting touch that cheese lovers will appreciate.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy orzo wonderfully and is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast that balances out the richness of the main dish.
• Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus pairs well with shrimp and adds an elegant touch to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious addition and its vibrant green color makes for an appealing plate presentation.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this delightful dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy the deliciousness throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers taste even better.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To prevent drying out, drizzle a little extra broth or water over the orzo before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Label each container with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to help revive the creamy texture.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, ensuring not to overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that can help you out!

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo works wonderfully in this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

How do I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp vegetarian-friendly?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the shrimp with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp without heavy cream?

Yes! You can omit heavy cream and use additional chicken broth or a plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you a lovely texture without compromising on flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a delightful meal any night of the week. Enjoy making it for yourself and sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!