One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that comes together in no time, you’ve found it with this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! This dish is a delightful blend of creamy orzo and succulent shrimp, all cooked in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings, sure to impress everyone around the table!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a rich and creamy sauce that clings to the orzo and perfectly complements the shrimp. You’ll love how quickly everything comes together while still feeling like a gourmet meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish cooks in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• One Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
• Deliciously Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or different proteins for variety.
• Comfort Food Classic: The rich flavors make it feel indulgent without being heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. You might already have some of these in your pantry!

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture in this one-pan dish. Look for good quality orzo for the best results.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best, providing a satisfying bite. Ensure they are thawed if frozen and patted dry before cooking for optimal browning.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. It provides the liquid base for cooking the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option.
• White apple vinegar: ½ cup (optional). Dry white apple vinegar adds depth and acidity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use apple vinegar, simply substitute with additional chicken broth.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Onion forms the aromatic base of the dish, adding sweetness and complexity as it cooks down.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for flavor, complementing the shrimp and Parmesan beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and creates a velvety texture that coats the orzo perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish as it creates a flavorful base for sautéing.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fat and flavor when sautéing.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Brightens flavors and cuts through richness beautifully!
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds color and freshness to finish off your dish delightfully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For those who like a little kick! Adjust according to your taste.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp for a different flavor profile!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream if you’re looking to lighten up the dish without sacrificing too much creaminess.
• Use different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful foundation that makes every bite delicious!

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next, add your orzo pasta into the skillet and toast it lightly by stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it in now; let it simmer briefly while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom—this deglazing process brings incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover it up tightly and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until most liquid is absorbed—check periodically! This ensures your orzo cooks evenly while soaking up all those savory flavors.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in those beautiful shrimp! Nestle them among the orzo so they’re mostly submerged; cover again and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes until they turn pink—be careful not to overcook them! Perfectly cooked shrimp should be opaque but still tender.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove from heat now; time to stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melts together into a smooth sauce! The residual heat will do its magic—the result will be rich and luscious.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Finally, stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley; give it all one last taste check! Adjust seasoning as desired—the brightness from lemon helps balance out that rich sauce perfectly while parsley adds freshness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away! Garnish generously with extra Parmesan cheese if desired—you won’t regret it! Enjoy this creamy goodness warm straight from your pan—it’s simply irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp to new heights!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste and ensure your dish is as vibrant and delicious as possible.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly; remove them from heat just when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so keeping a close eye on them will yield perfectly tender bites.

• Let the Orzo Toast: Toasting the orzo for a couple of minutes before adding the broth deepens its nutty flavor. This step sets the stage for a more flavorful dish by enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving. This final adjustment allows you to balance flavors according to your preference, ensuring every bite is as delicious as possible.

• Experiment with Herbs: While parsley adds freshness, feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or chives. Adding different herbs can change up the flavor profile and keep this dish exciting each time you make it!

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is not only a feast for the eyes but also perfect for sharing! Here are some ideas on how to present and enhance your meal.

Garnishes

• Extra Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving provides an appealing look and extra cheesy goodness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges alongside your dish. Guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over their servings for an added zesty kick.
• Fresh Herbs: A few additional sprigs of parsley or other fresh herbs not only add color but also enhance the aromatic experience while eating.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements this creamy dish perfectly. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth orzo.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a vibrant green element to your plate while providing a nutritious side that pairs well with seafood.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the orzo. The crispness of the salad creates an enjoyable textural contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and additional nutrients to your meal. The sweetness of roasted carrots or bell peppers enhances the overall dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a fantastic meal that will impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every creamy bite of this delightful One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is not only a delicious dish but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily make it in advance and enjoy the flavors throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of shrimp may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
• Stir frequently until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo for the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Yes! While orzo is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.

How can I adjust the spice level in my One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

You can easily modify the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Omit them entirely for a milder flavor, or add more if you prefer extra heat.

What can I serve alongside One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute shrimp with your choice of plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s a special recipe that brings together creamy textures and vibrant flavors in one delightful dish. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for busy days ahead, I’m confident you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!