One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

After a long week, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen wrestling with a complicated recipe and a mountain of dishes. That’s where the magic of one-pan meals truly shines, and this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp has become an absolute weeknight champion in our household. From the moment the aroma of garlic and herbs starts to fill the kitchen, to the satisfyingly creamy and cheesy first bite, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from seafood, devours this orzo and shrimp creation with gusto. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze, leaving more time to relax and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with loved ones. If you’re searching for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that delivers on both taste and convenience, look no further – this recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

• 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 Wine: ½ cup (optional). Dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, adds depth and acidity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, 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. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best aroma and taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy, cheesy sauce. Use good quality Parmesan for the richest flavor.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the orzo and shrimp perfectly.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps to create a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a healthy fat component to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan and cream. Lemon zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It also provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

Instructions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

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 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step builds the flavorful foundation of the dish. Sautéing the onion until translucent and the garlic until fragrant releases their aromas and mellows their raw bite.
2. Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Toasting the orzo lightly enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb the broth more effectively. If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before moving to the next step.
3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Simmering covered allows the orzo to cook evenly and absorb the flavorful broth. Check the orzo for doneness – it should be al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite.
4. Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp. Nestle the shrimp amongst the orzo, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the remaining liquid. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, or they will become rubbery. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
5. Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. The residual heat from the orzo and skillet will melt the Parmesan beautifully, creating a rich and luscious sauce. The heavy cream adds a final touch of velvety texture.
6. Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the Parmesan and cream. Fresh parsley adds a final burst of freshness and visual appeal.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it is warm and creamy.

Nutrition Facts for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

(Per Serving, approximately 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal
• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 25-35g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

Preparation Time for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (chopping vegetables, peeling shrimp, grating cheese, measuring ingredients). This includes all the necessary steps to get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Efficient prep work makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (sautéing, simmering orzo, cooking shrimp). This is the active cooking time on the stovetop, from sautéing the aromatics to cooking the shrimp.
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes. From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience by serving it with complementary sides and garnishes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A light and refreshing side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a counterpoint to the richness of the orzo. A simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers works well.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a healthy and flavorful side. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables.
• Garnish Ideas:
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese: Always a welcome addition for those who love cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan adds flavor and visual appeal.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Adds a pop of color and freshness. Chopped herbs brighten the dish and enhance its aroma.
  • Lemon Wedges: Provide an extra squeeze of lemon juice for those who prefer a brighter flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle a few more red pepper flakes on top.
• Make it a Feast:
  • Appetizer: Start with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a simple caprese salad.
  • Dessert: Follow up with a light dessert like lemon sorbet, panna cotta, or fresh fruit to keep the meal balanced and not too heavy.
• Wine Pairing:
  • Crisp White Wines: Pair with the same white wine used in the recipe, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the creamy sauce and seafood beautifully.
  • Light-bodied Rosé: A dry rosé wine can also be a lovely pairing, offering fruitiness and acidity that balances the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips for Perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. They will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat even after you remove the skillet from the burner.
2. Use Good Quality Parmesan: The flavor of Parmesan cheese is central to this dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
3. Toast the Orzo: Toasting the orzo in the skillet before adding the liquid enhances its nutty flavor and helps it absorb the broth better. This step adds a layer of depth to the overall dish.
4. Don’t Rinse the Orzo: Unlike some pasta dishes, you should not rinse orzo after cooking for this recipe. The starch released from the orzo as it cooks contributes to the creamy sauce.
5. Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on your stovetop and the type of orzo you use, you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly and becoming dry before it’s cooked through, add a little more broth, a quarter cup at a time.
6. Spice it Up: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of shrimp for a different flavor profile.
7. Add Vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to this dish. Consider adding frozen peas, spinach, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking. Sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers can also be added for extra flavor and texture.
8. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the base of the orzo dish (up to step 3) ahead of time. Cool it slightly, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the orzo with a little extra broth if needed, then proceed with adding the shrimp, Parmesan, and cream as directed in steps 4-7. This can save time on busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet to ensure they brown properly.

Q2: I don’t have white wine, can I still make this recipe?
A: Absolutely! White wine adds depth of flavor, but it’s not essential. Simply substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. The dish will still be delicious. You could also add a splash of lemon juice earlier in the cooking process to mimic some of the acidity from the wine.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Orzo is ideal for this recipe because of its size and texture, which cooks quickly and creates a creamy sauce. However, you could potentially use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even broken spaghetti. Cooking times may vary depending on the pasta shape, so adjust accordingly and ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. To make it vegan, you would also need to replace the shrimp with plant-based shrimp alternatives or omit it and add more vegetables.

Q5: How do I store leftovers and for how long?
A: Store leftover One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the orzo as it can thicken upon refrigeration.

Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to ensure there is enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly. You may need to slightly increase the cooking time, especially for the orzo, when doubling the recipe.

Q7: Can I add different herbs or seasonings?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the herbs and seasonings to your liking. Italian seasoning, dried oregano, thyme, or basil would all be delicious additions. You could also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Experiment and find your favorite combination.

Q8: My orzo is sticking to the bottom of the pan, what should I do?
A: If the orzo is sticking, it might be due to the heat being too high or not enough liquid. Make sure you are simmering the orzo over low heat and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it starts to stick, add a little more chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, and stir gently to loosen it from the bottom of the pan. Using a heavy-bottomed skillet can also help distribute heat more evenly and prevent sticking.

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