If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in no time, let me introduce you to my favorite dish: One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. This recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy orzo, paired with tender shrimp and a sprinkle of Parmesan, makes for a delightful dinner that everyone will love.

What makes this dish even more special is how it brings the family together. You can whip it up in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy those precious moments with your loved ones. Trust me; once you try this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, it might just become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
Deliciously Creamy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates an irresistibly rich sauce.
Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Option: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a breeze! These simple and wholesome ingredients come together to create a deliciously comforting meal. Let’s take a look at 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.
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. Unsalted butter helps create a flavorful base for sautéing.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor.
Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens flavors while lemon zest adds citrus aroma.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds color and freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Adjust according to your spice preference.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can switch things up based on your tastes or what you have available at home.

Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or scallops instead of shrimp if you prefer something different!
Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color.
Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Change up flavors: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an exciting twist.

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) until fragrant but be careful not to burn them! Sautéing these aromatics builds a flavorful foundation that enhances every bite of your meal.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Next, add the orzo pasta into 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 in now; let it simmer while scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this deglazing process adds incredible depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in your chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring that mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low—cover it up! Let it simmer away for about 10–12 minutes until most of that liquid is absorbed—check that orzo; we want it al dente!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in those beautiful shrimp, nestling them among the orzo so they get nicely cooked through while covered again! In just another quick 3–5 minutes—keep an eye on them—they should turn pink without overcooking!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Once those shrimp are ready, remove from heat then fold in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until everything melts into lovely creamy goodness! The residual heat does all that magic here!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Stir through fresh lemon juice as well as chopped parsley—adjust seasoning if necessary! This step balances out richness while giving freshness—a total game-changer!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Dish up hot straight from your skillet garnished however you fancy—with extra Parmesan cheese & parsley on top if desired—and enjoy every spoonful while it’s warm & creamy!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Creating the perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is all about a few key techniques that will elevate your dish to new heights!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and quality Parmesan cheese can make a significant difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and ensure your dish is vibrant and delicious.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they only need 3-5 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, which detracts from the creamy texture of the dish.
Adjust Seasoning as You Go: Taste your dish at various stages of cooking. This allows you to adjust seasoning to your preference, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
Experiment with Herbs: While fresh parsley adds brightness, you can also try basil or chives for a different flavor twist. Fresh herbs complement the richness of the sauce and give it a refreshing touch.
Make It Ahead: If you’re meal prepping, this dish holds up nicely in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive its creamy texture.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Serving your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp beautifully enhances the dining experience and makes it feel extra special. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Garnishes

Extra Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an appealing finish and enhances the cheesy flavor.
Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a squeeze of fresh juice, brightening flavors even more.
Fresh Herbs: Consider adding additional fresh parsley or even microgreens as a final touch for color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce from your plate, creating a satisfying pairing.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo.
Roasted Asparagus: This lightly roasted side adds both color and nutrition, complementing the flavors of shrimp beautifully while providing a nice crunch.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds fiber and nutrients while balancing out the creamy pasta dish without overpowering it.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share this comforting meal with you! Enjoy your culinary creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week! Preparing this dish in advance not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
To prevent the orzo from becoming mushy, consider keeping the shrimp separate until ready to reheat.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely first.
Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture and stir gently until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

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

Absolutely! While orzo gives a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How do I ensure my shrimp are perfectly cooked in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

To cook shrimp perfectly, add them when the orzo is nearly done cooking. They only need about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be tender yet firm.

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp without cream?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream. Simply add more broth or a splash of milk (dairy-free options work too) to achieve a creamy texture without using heavy cream.

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color on your plate!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something delicious. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!