One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp has quickly become a favorite in my household. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas and creating lasting memories. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this one-pan wonder ensures minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor!

What I love most about this recipe is its creamy texture and vibrant flavors that come together seamlessly in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish never fails to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• One Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, Parmesan, and fresh lemon creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out proteins to suit your taste!
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) alike will love the creamy orzo and tender shrimp—it’s a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and I promise these ingredients are worth it for the incredible flavor they create.

• 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 everything perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for sautéing aromatics and shrimp.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds healthy fat; extra virgin is recommended for its flavor.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens flavors while zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to finish off this beautiful dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). A hint of heat if desired; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand or what suits your palate!

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or even tofu instead of shrimp if you’re looking for alternatives!
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and vibrant colors.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like basil or dill instead of parsley for a unique twist on 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 five minutes will do! Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) next; let them cook until fragrant but be sure not to burn the garlic! This step builds an amazing flavorful foundation that enhances every bite of your dish.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Apple Vinegar (Optional)

Now it’s time to add our star ingredient: orzo pasta! Toss it into the skillet and toast it lightly for about one to two minutes while stirring constantly. Toasting enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it in now—this will deglaze your pan by scraping up any tasty browned bits from earlier cooking; let it simmer briefly so those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in four cups of chicken broth along with lemon zest (yum!) plus salt & pepper! Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat low enough that we can cover it up tightly; simmer away for ten to twelve minutes until most liquid is absorbed but still slightly al dente—perfectly cooked orzo should have just a bit of bite left!

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover that glorious pot! Gently stir in shrimp now; nestle them amongst all that lovely orzo ensuring they’re mostly submerged beneath residue liquid left behind from our broth explosion earlier on! Cover again & cook another three-five minutes until those little guys turn pink & opaque—it’s crucial not overcook them because nobody wants rubbery shrimp!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Take your skillet off heat now since we’re ready to bring some serious creaminess into play here! Stir grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until melted into pure magic—that luscious sauce coats each piece evenly making every forkful irresistible.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Stir freshly squeezed lemon juice plus chopped parsley right into our masterpiece—it brightens everything up while balancing out richness perfectly too! Don’t forget taste-testing at this point; adjust salt & pepper as necessary because seasoning matters!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away garnished generously with extra Parmesan cheese & fresh parsley if desired—trust me when I say this dish tastes best enjoyed straight off stove while warm & creamy!

With each delightful bite of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you’ll find comfort wrapped up in simple yet wholesome flavors bursting forth from just one pan! Enjoy every moment spent around family dinner tables savoring such delicious meals together!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be a breeze with a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some strategies to ensure your dish is perfect every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish, making it more enjoyable.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, whereas perfectly cooked shrimp will be tender and juicy.

• Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a creamier consistency, consider adding a little extra broth or cream during cooking. This allows you to tailor the dish to your preferred richness.

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like basil or thyme along with parsley. Fresh herbs bring brightness and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let your dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even tastier meal.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Serving this delightful dish is all about making it visually appealing while complementing its creamy goodness. Here are some ideas to present your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions over the top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh juice over their servings for an extra burst of brightness.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce from your plate. The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich orzo.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green contrast and balances out the richness of the main dish while providing extra nutrients.
• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette offers a crisp texture and bright flavors that complement the creamy orzo beautifully.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil brings earthiness and crunch, making it an excellent side that harmonizes well with shrimp and pasta.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal that’s bound to impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it stores well, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
• Avoid storing leftovers in metal containers, as they may react with the acidity of the lemon juice.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled orzo and shrimp in an airtight freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
• Ensure you remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the mixture.
• Stir frequently until heated through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

How do I know when the shrimp are done in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They typically take about 3-5 minutes to cook, so watch closely to avoid overcooking them.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute shrimp with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender shrimp that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy making it and savor every bite! Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations—you might inspire someone else!