If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy comfort with the delightful taste of seafood, then you’ve come to the right place! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up. It’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for a family gathering yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Imagine a plate full of tender shrimp nestled in creamy orzo, all made in just one pan! It’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone around the table.

What I love most about this dish is how it comes together effortlessly. The flavors meld beautifully while cooking, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner with loved ones and less time cleaning up afterward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pan, there’s minimal fuss when it comes to washing dishes.
Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon, and savory shrimp creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Quick Prep Time: In under 30 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready to serve!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish; it’s perfect for picky eaters!
Customizable: Use seasonal veggies or your choice of protein to make this dish your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp uses simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. 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 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. 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 while adding citrus aroma.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish alongside its herbaceous notes.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat; adjust based on your preference or omit entirely if desired.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out all flavors; always taste as you go!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

Swap in different proteins: Try using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp if you’re in the mood for something different!
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for an extra nutritional boost!
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you like your meals with some heat!
Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely while increasing broth slightly.

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. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant—about another minute will do! Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful foundation that enhances every bite—trust me on this!

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Now it’s time to add our star ingredient—orzo pasta! Toss it into your skillet, giving it about 1-2 minutes of constant stirring so it can toast lightly; this enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar (which I highly recommend), pour it in now too! Let it simmer briefly while scraping up any brown bits from your pan—this deglazing step adds even more depth!

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth along with lemon zest plus some salt & pepper seasoning! Bring everything up to a boil before lowering heat again; cover up that skillet tightly! Let it simmer away—this will help ensure our orzo cooks evenly while soaking up all those fantastic flavors—in about 10–12 minutes you’ll want check if it’s al dente!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Once you’ve checked on our lovely orzo—and let me tell you—it should be just about there—uncover that skillet & gently nestle those beautiful shrimps among those pasta grains! Cover once more & allow them another few minutes until they turn pink & opaque; no one wants rubbery shrimp!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Time for indulgence! Remove from heat & stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melts together into pure creamy bliss! This step creates such richness—your kitchen will smell divine at this point.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Finally—for brightness—squeeze some fresh lemon juice right into our glorious mixture followed by chopped parsley! Give everything one last taste check; feel free adjust seasoning as needed because we want perfection here!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away garnished generously with extra Parmesan cheese & parsley if desired! Gather everyone around because this creamy delight deserves immediate attention—it’ll be gone before you know it!

With these simple steps laid out clearly—you’re just moments away from enjoying a delightful bowlful of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp that’ll warm both hearts AND bellies alike! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be a wonderful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp to restaurant-quality deliciousness!

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp from your local fish market or grocery store, ensuring they are as fresh as can be for the best taste.
Don’t skip the toasting step: Toasting the orzo before adding the broth enhances its nutty flavor and ensures it absorbs all the delicious liquid. This simple step adds depth to your dish that you won’t want to miss!
Adjust seasoning gradually: Always taste your dish as you cook! Salt and pepper can vary greatly, so adjusting them gradually allows you to control the flavor profile perfectly. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully. It also helps thicken the sauce, creating a creamier texture that’s simply irresistible.
Experiment with herbs: While parsley is delightful, try adding other fresh herbs like basil or dill for a unique twist. Fresh herbs brighten up any dish and can drastically change its flavor profile.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Serving your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Extra grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of cheese on top not only looks appealing but also enhances the cheesy goodness of every bite.
Chopped chives or green onions: These add a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor that pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor that complements this creamy dish beautifully.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich orzo and shrimp, balancing out your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers bring an earthy sweetness to the table while adding vibrant colors.
Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side not only adds color but also provides a nice crunch alongside the creamy orzo. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will not only be delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a fantastic option for meal prep! Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a comforting dish that can be easily enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Be sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing and storing.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, place the cooled orzo in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label them with the date, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Consider portioning it out for easy reheating later!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
Heat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess.
Stir frequently until heated through; enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

While this recipe focuses on One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you can experiment with other small pastas like ditalini or couscous. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them while preparing your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp to avoid overcooking!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute shrimp with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy sauce will still shine through in your vegetarian version.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

To lighten One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, consider using less heavy cream or substituting it with a lower-fat alternative such as half-and-half. You can also reduce the amount of cheese if you prefer fewer calories.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as I do! It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch — perhaps some extra veggies or spices! Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pan Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, a delightful dish that marries creamy orzo with tender shrimp for an unforgettable meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet feels special enough for family gatherings. With just one pan to clean, you can enjoy more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. The combination of savory chicken broth, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan creates a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking to treat yourself, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound orzo pasta
1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup white apple vinegar (optional)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté onion in olive oil and butter over medium heat until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
Stir in orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes. If using white apple vinegar, add it now and deglaze the pan.
Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
Gently nestle shrimp into the orzo; cover again and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until melted and creamy.
Finish with lemon juice and parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.