One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then let me introduce you to my beloved One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make! Imagine sitting down to a creamy, cheesy bowl of orzo packed with tender shrimp and bright lemon flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish brings everyone together around the table with its irresistible aroma and rich taste.

What I love most about this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is how simple it is. With just one pan to clean up afterward, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying good food and creating memories with loved ones. Trust me; once you try it, this will become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Creamy & Comforting: The rich flavors of Parmesan and cream create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be requesting seconds!
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute shrimp with your favorite seafood or veggies for endless variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delicious dish. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making them easy to grab before you get started!

Ingredients:
– 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 it 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 the sauce.
– Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for sautéing.
– Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds healthy fat.
– Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish while zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma.
– Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
– Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add subtle heat; adjust according to preference.
– Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or even tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños if you’re craving heat.

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) for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation by releasing sweet aromas from the onions while mellowing out raw garlic’s bite.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. This enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it into the skillet next; let it simmer briefly while scraping any browned bits from the pan—this deglazing process adds fantastic depth of flavor.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover up your skillet! Let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes until most of the liquid absorbs into the al dente orzo—this ensures every bite bursts with flavor!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in those lovely shrimp! Nestle them amongst your orzo so they soak up all that delicious goodness—cover again! Cook until they turn pink (about 3-5 minutes), ensuring not to overdo them as rubbery shrimp are no fun at all!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Once cooked through remove from heat; stir grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until melted into creamy perfection! The residual heat will work its magic here—creating that oh-so-luxurious sauce we crave!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice & Parsley

Time to brighten things up! Stir fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley—taste test now too! Adjust seasoning as needed because we want every bite bursting with flavor!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away garnished with extra Parmesan cheese plus fresh parsley if desired—the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around eagerly waiting! Enjoy every comforting spoonful while it’s warm & creamy.

Now that you’ve got all these vibrant flavors ready together—dig right in!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can sometimes feel intimidating, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to create this delicious dish with confidence!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and quality Parmesan cheese make a big difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and texture of your dish, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they should only take about 3-5 minutes. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery and tough, so aim for that lovely pink color to ensure they remain tender and juicy.

• Adjust Seasoning Throughout: Taste your dish as you go! Adjusting the salt and pepper at various stages allows you to develop a balanced flavor profile. This is especially important when adding rich ingredients like cheese and cream.

• Experiment with Broth: You can switch up flavors by using different types of broth, such as vegetable or seafood broth. Each type brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or prefer.

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add veggies like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color. This personal touch not only enhances health benefits but also adds more vibrant flavors and textures.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Presenting your dish beautifully can make all the difference in how it’s enjoyed! Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Extra Lemon Zest: A light dusting of lemon zest right before serving adds a zingy aroma that brightens up the entire meal.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A few cracks of fresh black pepper just before serving enhances the flavors and gives a slight kick without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this creamy orzo, offering a satisfying crunch that complements each spoonful.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad brings in crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, balancing out the richness of the orzo while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Asparagus: Tender steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance and a splash of green to your table. The earthiness of asparagus pairs perfectly with seafood dishes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness, making your meal even more wholesome and visually appealing.

With these tips and serving ideas, your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will not only be a feast for the palate but also for the eyes! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, creamy goodness throughout the week. It stores well and can easily be reheated, making it a practical choice for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the orzo cool entirely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful dish!

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Yes! While orzo gives a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. They typically take only 3-5 minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on them during that time!

Can I make this dish without cream?

Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with additional chicken broth or a non-dairy milk option like almond milk. It will still be flavorful!

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness and crunch.

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

Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers while cooking. They will add color and nutrition to the dish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s not just easy and quick; it’s also packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing a meal with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!