One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping weeknight dinner that will make you feel like an absolute kitchen star (with minimal cleanup!), you need to try One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. This irresistible dish brings together plump shrimp, creamy orzo, and loads of fresh flavors, all swirled together in a luscious Parmesan sauce that’s made in just one pan. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory richness and bright, zesty notes, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is sure to become your new go-to comfort meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a job to do, bringing either flavor, texture, or color to the table. Don’t be fooled by the short list: when these essentials come together, they create a truly memorable meal.

• Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and turns delightfully creamy as it bubbles away in the sauce.
• Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp stay juicy and sweet, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy orzo—just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry for the best texture.
• Chicken Broth: It forms the backbone of the sauce, infusing the orzo with deep, savory flavor—opt for low-sodium so you can adjust the seasoning yourself.
• White Wine: Adds a subtle tang and depth; use a dry white wine (or skip it and add more broth if you prefer alcohol-free).
• Yellow Onion: When sautéed, it adds gentle sweetness and a flavorful base layer to the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punchy aroma and enhances all the other savory elements—don’t skimp!
• Parmesan Cheese: For that iconic creamy, nutty flavor; freshly grated melts best and brings a touch of luxury.
• Heavy Cream: Rounds out the sauce and gives the dish its trademark velvety finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build a beautiful base for the aromatics and shrimp.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing instead of just butter, it makes the sauteed flavors brighter and healthier.
• Lemon (juice and zest): The zest and juice make everything pop, balancing the creamy sauce with fresh acidity.
• Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end for color and a burst of herbaceous freshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat; adjust to your preference or omit if you want it milder.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Key to seasoning every layer—taste and adjust as you cook for best results.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil and butter in your biggest oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter is foamy, toss in the diced onion and cook it down until soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), then cook just until fragrant—about a minute. This step fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma and lays a flavor-packed foundation for the rest of your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Wine

Stir the orzo directly into your aromatics and toast it for a minute or two, stirring constantly. Toasting brings out a subtle nuttiness that you’ll taste in every bite. If using wine, pour it in at this point and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom—this deglazing makes the sauce even richer. Let the wine simmer and reduce briefly before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and your first round of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the orzo simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, just until it’s almost cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Pause to check the texture—it should be al dente, ready to soak up the creamy flavors to come.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet and carefully tuck the shrimp into the orzo. Nestle them in so the tops peek out. Put the lid back on and let the shrimp gently cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Remember, shrimp cook in an instant—watch them closely so they stay perfectly juicy for your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Take the pan off the heat and pour in the freshly grated Parmesan and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce and the dish looks creamy and luscious. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a little more broth to loosen it. This is the moment where everything comes together in cheesy, comforting harmony.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Right before serving, stir through the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. These two bright ingredients lift up all the rich flavors in your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, making every forkful taste ultra fresh. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Spoon your hot, creamy One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp into wide bowls and scatter with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like. This dish is absolute heaven when served right away—just creamy enough, with succulent shrimp and fragrant fresh herbs.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp sing. Don’t hold back on an extra shower of freshly grated Parmesan and another scattering of chopped parsley. A little more lemon zest or a twist of freshly ground black pepper can make each serving feel special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This is a satisfying all-in-one meal, but it’s always delicious to serve a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli alongside for extra crunch. A hunk of rustic bread is hard to resist—perfect for swiping up every last bit of that creamy Parmesan sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in a big, shallow platter so guests can help themselves. You could also portion it into individual ramekins or mini Dutch ovens for a fun, bistro-style twist. Garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and a little sprig of parsley for maximum wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp into airtight containers as soon as it cools to room temperature. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. When stored properly, the flavors mellow and sometimes taste even better the next day!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze portions, the creamy sauce and shrimp do lose a little in texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze, cool everything completely first, then tuck it into a well-sealed freezer-safe container. For best results, eat within 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For best results, reheat One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp gently over low heat, splashing in a bit of extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir often and warm only until heated through—this keeps the shrimp tender and the orzo creamy, just like when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely! If you skip the wine, just use extra chicken broth in its place. You’ll still end up with a rich, flavorful sauce for your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Can I use frozen cooked shrimp?

You can, but for the juiciest, best flavor, raw shrimp are ideal—you get to cook them directly in the sauce, so they soak up all that goodness. If using cooked shrimp, stir them in just at the end and heat through gently.

What if my orzo is too thick after cooking?

No problem! Just add a splash more chicken broth or a bit of cream, and stir until the consistency is creamy and loose again. The orzo will soak up liquid as it sits, so don’t be afraid to adjust.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free orzo or use another small gluten-free pasta to recreate the textures and flavors of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Watch the pasta as it cooks, since gluten-free options sometimes absorb liquid differently.

What else can I add to customize this one-pan meal?

You can toss in baby spinach, frozen peas, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes before adding the shrimp. These extras pair beautifully with the creamy Parmesan orzo and shrimp!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and impressive about a creamy, dreamy pasta dish—all the better if it comes together with no fuss or piles of dishes! I hope you’ll give One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp a spot in your weekly rotation. With just one pan, a handful of real ingredients, and a little time, you’ll be rewarded with a meal that feels truly special. Enjoy every bite!

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