If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal that comes together effortlessly, you’ve found it! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is one of my absolute favorites. It’s creamy, comforting, and the shrimp adds a delightful touch of elegance without requiring too much fuss in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this dish brings a warmth to the table that everyone will love. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate easy clean-up with just one pan?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Deliciously Flavorful: With garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice, each bite is packed with flavor. The creamy Parmesan sauce takes it to the next level!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish. The combination of orzo and shrimp is both fun and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It still tastes amazing!
Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients are simple and wholesome, allowing you to customize based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll be pleased to see how simple they are—each one contributes to that creamy deliciousness we all crave.

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.
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to create a velvety texture that coats the orzo and shrimp perfectly.
Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for sautéing.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing; extra virgin is recommended for its flavor.
Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens flavors while lemon zest adds an extra layer of aroma.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For those who like a little heat!
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

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

Swap the protein: Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp for a different twist on this creamy orzo dish.
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added color and nutrition.
Make it spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of shrimp or add more red pepper flakes if you like it hot!
Switch up the cheese: Try using feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy flavor.

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—stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns! Then stir in minced garlic along with red pepper flakes (if using) until fragrant; this usually takes about another minute. Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful foundation that makes this dish truly shine.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next up, toss in your orzo pasta into that aromatic mix! Toast it lightly by stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes—this enhances its nutty flavor while helping it absorb all that delicious broth later on! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it in now; let it simmer briefly while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of your pan—a little deglazing goes a long way!

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to add your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper—bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, reduce heat to low; cover your skillet tightly as you let it simmer away for about 10-12 minutes until most liquid has absorbed into that lovely pasta goodness!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in those beautiful shrimp! Nestle them amongst your orzo so they get nice and cozy—cover again letting them cook through for another 3-5 minutes until they’re pinkish-orange perfection! Keep an eye on them because shrimp cook fast; nobody wants rubbery seafood!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove from heat once your shrimp look good! Now stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melds together into creamy bliss—it’s okay if some residual heat does most of this work!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley before giving everything a taste check—adjust salt & pepper if needed! The lemon cuts through richness while fresh parsley provides brightness both visually & flavor-wise.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot straight from your pan garnished with extra Parmesan cheese & fresh parsley if desired—the moment everyone has been waiting for has arrived! Enjoy every warm & creamy bite knowing you’ve created something special from scratch!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Creating a delicious dish is all about the details, and these tips will help you elevate your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp to perfection.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality shrimp and good-quality Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish and ensure a more vibrant result.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on your shrimp; they only need 3-5 minutes to cook through. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so pulling them off the heat as soon as they’re pink ensures they remain tender and juicy.
Add More Flavor with Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or dill along with parsley. Fresh herbs not only add color but also boost the flavor profile of your dish, making it more aromatic and appealing.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. This way, you can control the richness based on your personal preference.
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining any excess liquid, reserve a cup of pasta water. This starchy water can be added back into the orzo if it becomes too thick, helping achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Presenting your dish beautifully enhances the dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful meal.

Garnishes

Extra Grated Parmesan: Sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese on top adds an attractive finish and an extra cheesy flavor kick.
Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows everyone to squeeze more fresh juice over their serving for a bright burst of flavor.
Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce from your plate. It’s an easy-to-make side that pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.
Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo. The crunch from fresh veggies will balance out the creamy texture of your main dish.
Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lemon complements the flavors in this dish beautifully. Its slight bitterness provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of the orzo.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds color but also brings nutrients to your meal. It can be simply seasoned with salt and pepper for an easy side that everyone will love.

Enjoy this comforting meal; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week. You can prepare this dish in advance and store it properly to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the orzo to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you notice any separation or thickening, simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

Portion the orzo into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
Leave some space at the top of containers, as the orzo may expand when frozen.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish with a lid, reheating in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

While this recipe is specifically designed for orzo, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!

How do I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp without using heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I add vegetables to One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers not only enhances the nutrition but also adds vibrant color and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as I do! It’s a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to cozy nights in. The creamy texture combined with succulent shrimp creates an experience that is both satisfying and memorable. Don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it; after all, cooking is all about sharing love through food. Happy cooking!

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 people 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: One-pan cooking
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy orzo pasta with succulent shrimp, all cooked in a single pan for easy clean-up. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, offering a rich flavor profile enhanced by garlic, onion, and fresh lemon juice. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that binds the ingredients together beautifully. With its quick preparation time and delightful taste, this meal is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound orzo pasta
1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable 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 butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
Add orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes. If using, pour in white apple vinegar and deglaze the pan.
Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in shrimp, cover again, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
Remove from heat; mix in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until well combined.
Finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving warm.