One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, you’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is one of my absolute favorites. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends and family. The best part? You only need one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal together.

This dish is special because it balances the rich flavors of Parmesan and shrimp with a bright hint of lemon. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with loved ones, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is prepared in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
• Quick Cooking: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and delightful flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the recipe based on what you have on hand. It’s flexible enough to suit your taste!
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of shrimp, orzo, and cheese creates a comforting meal that warms the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Dish

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low-sodium)
• White Apple Vinegar: ½ cup (optional)
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

Variations

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a meatless version.

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 your diced onion and cook until softened—about five minutes should do it. Next, stir in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your dish; sautéing releases their natural sweetness while mellowing out any sharpness.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next up, toss in the orzo pasta. 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 for a moment while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this deglazing adds incredible depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to pour in your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low; cover it up and let it simmer for ten to twelve minutes. This allows the orzo to cook through while soaking up all those delicious flavors from the broth!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, uncover your skillet and gently stir in the shrimp. Nestle them among the orzo so they get beautifully cooked through by the remaining liquid. Cover again and cook for about three to five minutes until they turn pink—be careful not to overcook them!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Take your skillet off the heat now! Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melts together into a creamy masterpiece. The residual warmth does all the work here—creating that luscious sauce we crave.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley at this stage. Give it all a taste test—adjust seasoning as needed! The lemon juice brightens each bite while parsley adds freshness that perfectly complements this rich dish.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Your delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is ready! Serve hot right away, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy every creamy bite as you savor this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Creating the perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is easier than you think with a few helpful tips!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality shrimp and fresh Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the dish, making it taste restaurant-worthy right at home.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on your shrimp while cooking; they only need 3-5 minutes to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp, so timing is key for that perfect bite.

• Adjust the Liquid: Depending on how creamy you like your orzo, you can adjust the amount of broth or cream. A little more liquid creates a saucier dish, while less gives you a thicker consistency.

• Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for additional flavor profiles. This adds freshness and complexity to your dish.

• Make it Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to add a splash of broth to loosen it up during reheating.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Serving this dish beautifully can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some delightful ideas!

Garnishes

• Extra Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top not only looks appealing but also adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a burst of fresh citrus right before enjoying their meal.
• Fresh Herbs: A few whole parsley leaves or basil sprigs can brighten up the presentation and hint at the fresh flavors inside.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy orzo perfectly and is great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as asparagus or bell peppers bring color and health benefits, enhancing both nutrition and flavor.
• Steamed Broccoli: This classic side dish adds crunch and nutrients while balancing out the creamy pasta with its freshness.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will not only impress your taste buds but also shine at your dining table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, saving you time during busy weekdays. Here’s how to store your delicious creation properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, try to minimize air exposure by using a container that fits snugly.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen orzo in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce as needed.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While this recipe specifically highlights One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous. Keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted based on the type of pasta you choose.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. In our One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe, they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so it’s best to remove them from heat as soon as they reach that lovely pink color.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To create a vegetarian version of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, simply omit the shrimp and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might also consider adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Certainly! To make a dairy-free version of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you can skip the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese altogether. Instead, use coconut cream for creaminess and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own after a long day. The creamy texture paired with succulent shrimp is simply delightful. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

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