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One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 117 reviews

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender orzo pasta and succulent shrimp cooked together in a single skillet. With aromatic garlic, onion, and herbs layered with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a hint of lemon, this dish offers rich yet balanced flavors in a fuss-free, easy-to-clean-up recipe perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo and Shrimp

  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 1.5 pounds medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Fats and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another minute until fragrant but not burnt. This step builds the flavor base for the dish.
  2. Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about a minute while scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly to concentrate the flavor.
  3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is almost cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, checking for al dente texture.
  4. Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp, nestling them among the orzo so they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through without overcooking.
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, with the residual heat finishing the melting process.
  6. Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. These ingredients balance and brighten the richness of the dish.
  7. Serve Immediately: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired, enjoying it warm and creamy for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; they are done when pink and opaque.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
  • Toast the orzo before adding liquid to enhance nuttiness.
  • Do not rinse the orzo after cooking to keep the creamy sauce texture.
  • Adjust broth quantity as needed based on stovetop and orzo absorption.
  • Use frozen shrimp only if fully thawed and patted dry.
  • For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute cream with coconut or cashew cream, butter with olive oil, Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan alternatives, and shrimp with plant-based protein or extra vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth to loosen the sauce.
  • You can double the recipe but use a larger pan and adjust cooking times slightly.
  • Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus during the last minutes of cooking for more variety.

Keywords: one pan meal, orzo pasta recipe, shrimp dinner, creamy orzo, easy weeknight recipe, Parmesan orzo, one skillet dinner

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/one-pan-parmesan-orzo-with-shrimp-recipe/