One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that comes together in just one pan, let me introduce you to my favorite dish: One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. This recipe is not only a breeze to prepare, but it also delivers rich flavors that will impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a gathering. The creamy orzo combined with succulent shrimp makes every bite feel like a warm hug!

What I love most about this dish is how the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a creamy sauce that coats the orzo perfectly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze—more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes!
• Deliciously Creamy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that clings to the orzo and shrimp, making each bite irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and delightful textures, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.
• Customizable: Whether you’re looking to add extra veggies or switch up the protein, this recipe allows for easy substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious dish:

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp provide a satisfying bite.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth infuses savory flavor into the orzo.
• White Apple Vinegar: ½ cup (optional). Adds depth and acidity; feel free to replace with more broth if desired.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Forms the aromatic base of our dish.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Essential for flavor; fresh is always best!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference in creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Adds richness and creates a velvety texture.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Helps sauté aromatics and gives richness.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing; extra virgin adds great flavor!
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Brightens up all the flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Adds color and freshness to finish off the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a hint of heat; adjust per your taste preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! You can easily tailor it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try substituting shrimp with chicken or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option!
• Add more veggies: Incorporate spinach or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
• Experiment with cheeses: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes if you love some 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 five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing these aromatics builds the flavorful foundation of our dish.

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. Toasting enhances its nutty flavor! If you’re using white apple vinegar, pour it into the skillet now and let it simmer briefly while scraping up browned bits from the pan—this adds 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 it up! Let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes until most liquid is absorbed, checking that the orzo is al dente.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Cook

Uncover your skillet gently stir in shrimp so they are nestled among the orzo. Cover again and cook for an additional three to five minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through—watch them closely; we want them perfectly tender!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove from heat before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese along with heavy cream until melted together into a smooth sauce—this step transforms our dish into something truly luxurious!

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Stir in fresh lemon juice along with chopped parsley while tasting as you go—adjust seasoning if needed! This brightens everything up beautifully while adding freshness.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve hot right away; garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired! This creamy delight is best enjoyed warm as soon as it’s made.

Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, get ready to impress everyone around your dinner table! Enjoy every delicious bite of this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, you’ll ensure your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and quality Parmesan cheese enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh ingredients bring brightness and richness that frozen or pre-packaged options may lack.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste as you go! Every palate is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. This ensures a personalized flavor profile that you’ll love.

• Experiment with Broth: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using seafood broth instead of chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor. This twist will amplify the seafood essence in your dish.

• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the orzo in advance and reheat it gently before adding shrimp. Just be sure to add a splash of broth to loosen it up; this keeps it creamy without drying out.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Presentation matters, especially when you’ve put in so much effort into creating this delicious dish! Here are some fun ideas for serving your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Extra Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds an appealing touch and enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Lemon Wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add a fresh squeeze of citrus that brightens each bite.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Besides parsley, consider adding basil or chives as a garnish for added color and flavor—herbs elevate any dish!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy dish, providing a delightful contrast in texture and soaking up any extra sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad filled with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the orzo without overpowering them.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables such as asparagus or bell peppers add color and nutrition to your meal while their caramelized sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory orzo.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective, steamed broccoli adds crunch and freshness that balances out the creamy richness of the pasta.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will not only taste amazing but also look like a masterpiece on your dining table! Enjoy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is perfect for meal prep! It holds up beautifully, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or gatherings. Here’s how you can store and reheat your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing instead (see below).

Freezing

• Portion out the orzo and shrimp into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
• Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish!

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.

What other proteins can I use in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

While shrimp is delicious, you can substitute it with chicken, scallops, or even vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.

How do I ensure my One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp doesn’t become mushy?

To prevent mushiness, cook the orzo until it’s al dente before adding shrimp, and make sure not to overcook the shrimp when they’re added.

Can I use whole wheat orzo instead?

Yes! Whole wheat orzo is a nutritious alternative that works well in this recipe; just adjust cooking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! It’s a special dish that’s not only satisfying but also brings everyone together around the table. Don’t hesitate to try it out – I know you’ll love every creamy bite. Happy cooking!