One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that dazzles both on a weeknight and at your next get-together, look no further than One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp snuggled into creamy, lemony orzo, all kissed with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs—in just one skillet! This all-in-one recipe brings comfort and elegance to your kitchen without piles of pans or complicated steps, making it an absolute staple you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp serves a delicious purpose, lending layers of texture, aroma, or color to each bite. Keep it simple: these are pantry and fridge staples with the power to transform dinner into something truly special.

• Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the luscious flavors, creating a creamy, dreamy base for the dish.
• Shrimp: Use 1.5 pounds of peeled and deveined medium or large shrimp; their natural sweetness and tender bite make them irresistible here.
• Chicken Broth: Four cups of low-sodium chicken broth not only cook the orzo but infuse the whole skillet with depth and savory flavor—feel free to swap in vegetable broth if needed.
• White Wine (Optional): A half cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) adds brightness and complexity; simply use more broth if you prefer to skip this step.
• Yellow Onion: One diced onion becomes sweet and melting, forming the savory backbone of the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves, minced—nothing beats the magic of freshly chopped garlic for aroma and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: One cup, grated, melts into the orzo to create a rich, salty, utterly satisfying sauce—spring for fresh Parm if you can!
• Heavy Cream: A half cup of heavy cream elevates the whole dish with a touch of luxurious velvety texture.
• Butter: Two tablespoons, for a golden, flavor-packed base that makes everything taste richer right from the start.
• Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil ensure a lovely flavor foundation for sautéing your aromatics.
• Lemon: Both the juice and the zest of one lemon bring brightness that lifts every other flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A quarter cup, chopped, delivers fresh herbal notes and a pop of green to finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch or two for heat; totally up to you and your audience’s spice tolerance!
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and heightening all the layers of flavor—taste and adjust as you go.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil and butter together in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally. After about five minutes, toss in the garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Sauté everything just until fragrant, making sure not to let the garlic burn—the aroma in your kitchen will let you know you’re on the right track! This step creates the incredible flavor foundation that makes One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp so irresistible.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Deglaze

Scoop your orzo right into the skillet and stir it for a couple of minutes, allowing it to get a little toasty. This brief toasting gives the orzo a delightful nutty note and helps it hold its wonderful texture. If you’re using wine, pour it in now, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom; these bring amazing depth to the dish. Give the wine a minute or two to reduce, which adds dimension without overpowering the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Add in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and your first seasoning of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, pop on a lid, and let everything simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The orzo should become tender (al dente is perfect) as it soaks up all the flavor-packed liquid, making the base unbelievably creamy. Stir once or twice and keep an eye so it doesn’t stick!

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

With the orzo nearly cooked and still a bit saucy, scatter the shrimp right over the top and gently fold them into the mixture. Cover the pan again and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes—just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Perfect shrimp should be juicy and tender, never rubbery, making every bite of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp truly spectacular.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Take the skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. As you mix, watch the cheese melt and the sauce transform into a velvety, gorgeous cloak that brings the shrimp and orzo together in pure harmony. The residual warmth is enough to bring everything together without curdling or overcooking. Taste and decide if you want another pinch of salt or pepper here.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Squeeze in the lemon juice, sprinkle over the chopped parsley, then give everything a final stir. The tang of lemon cuts through the rich sauce and the fresh herbs brighten the whole dish. Be sure to taste again and adjust for seasoning—it’s what takes One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp from great to unforgettable!

Step 7: Serve Hot

Spoon generously onto plates or into shallow bowls, and don’t forget an extra shower of Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if you like. This dish absolutely sings when served right away, creamy and steaming, while the shrimp are at their juicy best.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Garnishes

The finishing touches can take this skillet sensation from comforting to wow-worthy. Extra shavings of Parmesan, a flurry of fresh parsley, and a quick zest of lemon make every serving pop with color and aroma. If you love a subtle bit of heat, try a pinch more red pepper flakes on top!

Side Dishes

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is wonderfully complete on its own, but a crisp, green salad or steamed vegetables are the ideal partners if you’re looking for balance. Warm, crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try dividing the orzo into small ramekins or bowls for a dinner party starter, or serve it family-style right from the skillet for rustic charm. For an elegant brunch, pair with poached eggs or serve it atop sautéed spinach. However you present it, One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is sure to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Scoop the cooled One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, so the next day’s lunch might be even better than dinner. Just be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it up.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions if needed. Allow the orzo and shrimp to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir while reheating brings it back together nicely.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding an extra splash of broth or cream to return the sauce to its original creamy glory. Stir often and just heat through so the shrimp stay tender. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure they brown well and don’t add excess water to your orzo.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re lightening up, try half-and-half or even evaporated milk. For a dairy-free take, unsweetened coconut cream or a plant-based alternative will also add that coveted silkiness.

Is there a vegetarian version?

You bet! Replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth for a satisfying meatless meal that keeps One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp’s signature creamy flavor.

Do I have to use wine?

No worries if you prefer to skip it—just use additional broth in place of the wine. The dish will still be packed with flavor and just as comforting.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, but for the best texture and richest flavor, freshly grate your own. It melts more smoothly into the sauce, making the dish luxuriously creamy.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is pure weeknight magic: creamy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, all in less than 40 minutes. If you love easy, satisfying meals that still feel a little bit special, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a household favorite!

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