One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a personal favorite of mine. It combines creamy orzo with succulent shrimp, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish balances rich flavors with a touch of brightness from lemon and fresh herbs. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This dish comes together in one pan, which means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves shrimp and creamy pasta! This recipe is sure to please picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare many of the ingredients in advance, making dinner a breeze on busy days.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a rich flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be enjoyable and stress-free! Here are some simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delightful One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

• 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 to the sauce; if you prefer not to use it, simply substitute with additional chicken broth.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Onion forms the aromatic base of the dish, adding sweetness as it cooks down.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for flavoring, complementing the shrimp and Parmesan beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated plus extra for serving. Freshly grated cheese is key to creating that creamy sauce we love!
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Adds richness that coats the orzo perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Helps create a flavorful base for sautéing.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing; extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its health benefits.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Brightens flavors while cutting through richness.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds freshness and pop of color!
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For those who enjoy a hint of heat!
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the Protein: If shrimp isn’t your thing or you want to switch it up, try using chicken breast or tofu instead!
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan is delicious, you could experiment with other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Herb Swaps: Fresh basil or thyme can be used instead of parsley; each brings its unique twist!

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. Once melted, add your diced onion and cook until it’s softened—about five minutes should do it! Then stir in minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them, cooking just until fragrant (about another minute). This step builds a flavorful foundation that makes your dish aromatic and inviting.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next up, toss in your orzo pasta! Toast it gently for about one to two minutes while stirring constantly—this enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb all that delicious broth later on. If you’re using white apple vinegar, now’s the time to pour it in too! Let it simmer briefly while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of your pan; this adds depth of flavor!

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to add your chicken broth along with lemon zest plus salt and pepper! Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover your skillet tightly so that everything simmers together beautifully over ten to twelve minutes until most liquid’s absorbed—and don’t forget to check that your orzo remains al dente!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Once your orzo is nearly done cooking through those wonderful flavors let’s bring in our shrimp! Gently stir them into the mix ensuring they’re nestled among all those lovely noodles—cover again so they cook evenly over three-to-five minutes until they’re pink and opaque.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove your skillet from heat now—it’s time for cheese magic! Stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melds into one creamy dreaminess; trust me—the residual heat will do wonders here!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

To finish off this masterpiece stir through freshly squeezed lemon juice along with chopped parsley—tasting as you go ensures perfect seasoning balance too!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away garnished generously with extra cheese & fresh parsley if desired—this dish truly shines when enjoyed warm & creamy straight from stovetop heaven!

Now you’re ready to delight everyone at your table with this comforting One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be an adventure, so here are a few tips to ensure your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also enhance the overall texture and aroma.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook; they should only take 3-5 minutes to become pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, ruining the dish’s texture.

• Adjust Seasoning as You Go: Taste your dish at various stages of cooking to adjust salt and pepper. This ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and tailored to your preference.

• Experiment with Broth Options: While chicken broth adds a savory depth, feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version. Each type of broth will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully. This short resting period also helps thicken the sauce slightly, making it even creamier.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Presentation can make a meal feel extra special, so here are some delightful ways to serve your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds vibrant color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Extra Lemon Zest: Grating a bit more lemon zest over the top just before serving provides an aromatic citrus lift that enhances every bite.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper gives a subtle kick and elevates the overall presentation with added visual interest.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: The classic side that pairs perfectly with any pasta dish! Its buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition while providing a crunchy texture that complements the creamy orzo.
• Caesar Salad (without anchovies): A simple Caesar salad offers crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons that balance nicely with the rich flavors of orzo.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until tender, asparagus makes for an elegant side that adds both color and nutritional value to your meal.

Now you’re all set to impress family and friends with this delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a fantastic option for meal prep! It’s easy to make in advance and store for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
• Stir occasionally and add a little broth or cream if needed to loosen it up.
• Microwave reheating is also an option; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use different pasta instead of orzo?

While this recipe specifically calls for orzo, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Adjust cooking times as needed since different pastas have varying cook times.

How can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers for an extra kick. Just make sure to taste as you go!

Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or scallops can be great alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken will take longer than shrimp, while scallops will be similar in timing.

Is One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp healthy?

This dish offers a balanced nutrition profile with protein from shrimp and carbohydrates from orzo. You can reduce calories by using less cream or substituting with a lower-fat alternative.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as I do! It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs—cooking should always be fun and personal! Happy cooking!