One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that warms the heart, you’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting yet simple to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings, making it versatile enough for any occasion. The creamy orzo, succulent shrimp, and rich Parmesan create a delightful dish that is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up everything in just one pan. You can enjoy a mouthwatering meal without the hassle of endless dishes afterward!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates an indulgent sauce that coats every bite.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors and comforting texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! These are all simple, wholesome items you’ll feel good about using in your cooking. Gather these up, and you’ll be ready to create a delightful dish!

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best for a satisfying bite.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth infuses the orzo with savory flavor; vegetable broth works too!
• White Apple Vinegar: ½ cup (optional). Adds depth; substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Forms the aromatic base of our dish!
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Essential for flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated is key to creamy goodness.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Adds richness and luxuriousness to your dish.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Helps create a flavorful base for sautéing.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing; extra virgin provides great flavor!
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Brightens everything up!
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds freshness and color to the finished dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). A subtle hint of heat if you like it spicy!
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste; crucial for bringing out all those lovely flavors.

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your mood.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes while cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a light cream alternative if you prefer a lighter dish.
• Herb it up: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley for an aromatic change.

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. Sautéing the onion until translucent brings out its sweetness while cooking down the garlic mellows its raw bite—this step builds an incredible flavor foundation!

Step 2: Add Orzo and White Apple Vinegar (Optional)

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

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now pour in your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low, covering it up, and letting it simmer for about 10-12 minutes—check occasionally! The goal is tender orzo that has absorbed most of that delicious broth but still has a slight bite (al dente).

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Once the orzo is almost done, uncover your skillet gently stir in the shrimp—nestle them among that fluffy pasta so they get submerged in all that flavorful liquid! Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through; this step ensures they stay tender rather than rubbery.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove your skillet from heat now—it’s time to make things creamy! Stir in grated Parmesan cheese alongside heavy cream until everything melts together into a smooth sauce—the residual heat will help this process along beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Give your dish its final touches by stirring in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley—taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper as needed—the lemon juice brightens things up perfectly while parsley adds freshness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right from the pan garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired! This dish shines brightest when enjoyed warm right away—so dig in!

Now you’ve got all you need for an amazing meal—enjoy every bite of this cozy One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to make your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp even more delightful!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs can elevate the flavors significantly. They bring brightness and vibrancy to the dish, ensuring every bite is bursting with freshness.

• Don’t Skip Toasting the Orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding the liquid enhances its nutty flavor. This extra step creates a deeper taste profile and allows the pasta to absorb more of the broth’s flavors.

• Check Shrimp Doneness Carefully: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them as you cook. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque; this ensures they remain tender rather than rubbery.

• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice can brighten up the entire dish.

• Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps develop flavors even further. It also gives you time to set the table or prepare drinks!

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This creamy pasta dish not only tastes heavenly but also looks beautiful when presented well! Here are some ideas to serve it up in style.

Garnishes

• Extra Lemon Wedges: Adding fresh lemon wedges on the side brightens up each serving, allowing guests to customize their citrus kick.
• Chopped Chives or Green Onions: A sprinkle of these adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
• Microgreens: For an elegant touch, consider topping your dish with microgreens for a fresh crunch and sophisticated appearance.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy dish, providing a satisfying texture contrast while soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette balances out the richness of the orzo and shrimp.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color and nutrition, making your meal even more wholesome.
• Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears offer a lovely crunch and complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Enjoy serving this delicious meal to family and friends; it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is an excellent choice for meal prep. Its creamy texture and delightful flavors make it a dish you’ll want to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some simple storage ideas to keep your leftovers fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion out the cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification later.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, cream-based dishes may lose some of their texture when thawed.

Reheating

• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore creaminess.
• Stir frequently until heated through; you can also reheat in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp that might help you out!

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

While orzo pasta is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with similar small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta type.

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

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace shrimp with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result will still be delicious!

Can I add more ingredients to my One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

This dish is quite filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a special addition to any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every creamy bite. Happy cooking!