One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is just what you need. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying! This recipe is one of my favorites for busy weeknights when I want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for family gatherings or when friends come over; everyone will be asking for seconds!

The best part? Everything comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll love how the orzo absorbs all the rich flavors while the shrimp cooks to tender perfection. Let’s dive into why this dish will quickly become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up afterward!
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and mild flavors, even picky eaters will love this dish.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Deliciously Comforting: The combination of creamy Parmesan and tender shrimp creates a comforting meal that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create an unforgettable meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 Grape Juice: ½ cup (optional). Dry white grape juice 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. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best aroma and taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy, cheesy sauce. Use good quality Parmesan for the richest flavor.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the orzo and shrimp perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps to create a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a healthy fat component to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan and cream.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat; adjust based on your preference or omit entirely if you prefer milder dishes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out all flavors in each ingredient.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust it based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast instead of shrimp if you’re looking for something different!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or peas during cooking for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change up your cheese: Gouda or feta can be delightful substitutes if you’re feeling adventurous with flavors!
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like a little kick in your meal.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant—this step builds a flavorful foundation! Sautéing onion until translucent brings out its sweetness while garlic adds an aromatic punch.

Step 2: Add Orzo

Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. Toasting enhances its nutty flavor which helps absorb all those delicious broth flavors later on! If using white grape juice, pour it into your skillet now; let it simmer briefly while scraping any browned bits from underneath—this adds depth!

Step 3: Pour in Broth

Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest plus salt & pepper! Bring everything up to boil then reduce heat down low so we can cover & simmer away for about 10–12 minutes until most liquid gets absorbed & our lovely little orzo looks almost cooked through—the goal here is al dente!

Step 4: Add Shrimp

Uncover that skillet & gently fold in those beautiful shrimp pieces! Nestle them within our creamy mixture ensuring they’re submerged nicely among all that glorious pasta goodness before covering again—let them simmer away just three-to-five minutes until they turn pink & opaque as they cook through perfectly!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan

Remove from heat & stir in freshly grated parmesan plus heavy cream until melted creating an irresistibly smooth sauce—trust me when I say this residual warmth does wonders here! That dreamy velvety texture will coat every inch of our delightful orzo!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice

Now stir freshly squeezed lemon juice along with chopped parsley right into our masterpiece—taste-test & adjust seasonings if needed! This fresh burst really balances everything out nicely while adding eye-catching color too!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot garnished generously with extra parmesan cheese plus fresh parsley if desired—digging into this warm bowl straight away makes all those flavors sing together harmoniously! Enjoy every last bite while it’s still creamy & comforting!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be a breeze with the right tips up your sleeve, and this recipe is no exception! Here are some helpful hints to ensure your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and parsley make a significant difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste of the dish and bring a vibrant quality that frozen or dried alternatives simply cannot match.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The key to tender shrimp is timing—cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on them during the final cooking stage.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually allows you to control the flavor balance effectively. This way, you can adjust it to your preference without overwhelming the dish.

• Consider Adding Vegetables: For extra nutrition and color, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking. They not only boost the health factor but also add freshness and texture.

• Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time by measuring out ingredients or even cooking it fully. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for quick reheating throughout the week.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Presentation is everything when it comes to enjoying a meal, and this dish deserves to shine! Here are some delightful serving ideas that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Extra Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving adds a cheesy finish that enhances flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Wedges: Serving with lemon wedges allows guests to brighten their plate with additional citrus if desired, making each bite more refreshing.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile subtly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread complements the creamy orzo beautifully. The crunchiness of the bread provides a wonderful contrast to the softness of the pasta.

• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal. The crispness and acidity cut through the richness of the orzo dish nicely.

• Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings a wonderful earthy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and pasta. Plus, it’s easy to prepare alongside your main dish!

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds color but also provides a nutritious balance. Its mild flavor won’t overpower your delicious orzo dish!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set for a delicious mealtime experience that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. With a few simple storage tips, you can savor this creamy dish even after the first serving.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover orzo and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze portions, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and name of the dish for easy identification.
• Consume frozen leftovers within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet and warm over medium heat until heated through.
• You can also microwave individual servings in a covered microwave-safe dish, adding a little liquid to keep it moist.
• Stir well before serving to ensure even heating and creamy consistency.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, while this recipe highlights orzo for its unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!

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

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 ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook everything just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What are some side dishes that pair well with One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

This creamy orzo pairs wonderfully with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. A simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements its richness perfectly!

How long does One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before enjoying!

Final Thoughts

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is truly a delightful dish that combines comfort and elegance all in one pot. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough for gatherings. I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it, and enjoy every creamy bite. Happy cooking!