One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both crave-worthy and incredibly easy to pull off, One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is about to become your new weeknight legend. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp nestled into a bed of creamy, garlicky orzo, all drenched in a silky Parmesan sauce that’s brightened with fresh lemon and herbs. Plus, everything comes together in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes and more delicious moments at the table. Whether you’re a longtime orzo fan or just looking for something different from the usual pasta, this dish delivers rich flavor, beautiful texture, and a major dose of comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp doesn’t call for a laundry list of groceries—just a handful of ingredients that shine when cooked together. Every element plays an essential role, from the creamy orzo to the zesty lemon, ensuring balanced flavors and mouthwatering results!

• Orzo Pasta: This petite, rice-shaped pasta cooks up creamy and absorbs all those gorgeous flavors in the skillet.
• Shrimp: Use medium to large, peeled and deveined shrimp for plump, juicy bites—just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry for the best sear.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth forms the savory backbone of the sauce, letting you control the saltiness and richness.
• White Wine (optional): A splash of dry white wine adds a subtle acidity and depth—if you’re skipping alcohol, just use extra broth.
• Yellow Onion: Diced onion brings natural sweetness and complexity, forming an aromatic foundation for the dish.
• Garlic: Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic infuses every bite with warmth and that irresistible aroma you know and love.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts right into the sauce, adding nutty, salty creaminess you can’t replicate with pre-shredded cheese.
• Heavy Cream: A bit of cream makes the sauce extra luscious and velvety, perfectly coating every morsel of orzo and shrimp.
• Butter: Adds depth and buttery richness while helping to perfectly sauté the onion and garlic at the start.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for a hint of fruitiness and the best sauté flavor.
• Lemon: Both juice and zest brighten the entire dish, adding sparkle and zing that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of green color and an herbaceous freshness that makes everything taste even cleaner.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives a gentle kick of heat—add more or less depending on your mood!
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for honing in on the perfect flavor; season at each stage and taste as you go.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it soften for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and, if you like some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—making sure not to let the garlic brown. This base sets the stage with deep, mellow flavor that will anchor the whole dish.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Deglaze

Add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Toasting the orzo enhances its nuttiness and helps it soak up every drop of flavor later on. If using wine, pour it in now and scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where much of the savory depth comes from. Let it simmer briefly and allow the alcohol to cook off, which also gives your kitchen a mouthwatering aroma!

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

With the pan deglazed, pour in your chicken broth along with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes. The orzo should be nearly cooked and most of the broth absorbed at this point—taste for doneness; it should still have just a bit of bite.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Uncover your pan and gently nestle the shrimp into the almost-done orzo, ensuring they’re well distributed and mostly surrounded by the creamy mixture. Cover again and let everything cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn an opaque pink. Keep a close eye—shrimp cook fast and you want them juicy, not rubbery!

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. The cheese should melt smoothly, transforming everything into a rich, glossy sauce that clings to the orzo and shrimp. The heavy cream ties it all together, creating that signature velvety finish of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a flurry of chopped parsley right before serving. This last step enlivens the dish, amplifying the other flavors with a bright, herbaceous note. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is now ready for the spotlight!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Dish up the orzo and shrimp while it’s still hot and creamy, showered with a little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if you like. The textures and flavors are at their best right out of the pan, and trust me, everyone will be eager to dig in!

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Garnishes

A generous sprinkling of extra Parmesan and more chopped parsley brings color and a final punch of flavor. For even more freshness, add a touch more lemon zest just before serving. If you love a bit of heat, a crack of fresh black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes turns the whole dish into a sensory treat.

Side Dishes

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is filling and flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli. A loaf of warm, crusty bread is always welcome for swiping up every drop of that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, spoon the orzo and shrimp into shallow bowls and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley sprigs. Alternatively, pile everything onto a large platter for a family-style meal—guests will love helping themselves. For something elegant, serve in individual ramekins, topped with a Parmesan crisp or microgreens for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp (lucky you!), let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch extra tasty.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. The texture of the shrimp may change slightly, but if you do need to freeze leftovers, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, reheat gently from frozen, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the orzo and shrimp to a skillet and add a splash or two of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be gentle—you want to avoid overcooking the shrimp. A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and add extra liquid as needed to ensure the pasta absorbs enough flavor and cooks to the right texture.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?

The key is to add the shrimp when the orzo is nearly finished cooking, then cover and simmer just until they turn opaque and pink. This usually takes only 3–5 minutes. As soon as they curl and change color, they’re ready!

Is there a vegetarian version of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Definitely! Swap out the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll get all the creamy, cheesy goodness with a plant-based twist.

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes, with a few tweaks. Use a dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based cream. Substitute the Parmesan with a vegan hard cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar salty, umami kick. The result will still be delightfully creamy and satisfying.

What type of white wine works best in this dish?

Choose a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even Chardonnay. A wine you’d happily drink will infuse the sauce with the best flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, just add a bit more chicken or vegetable broth instead.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you try this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp for your next dinner—there’s something magical about the way these simple ingredients come together in under an hour. Every bite is creamy, lemony, and so comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is proof that easy, elegant meals always have a place at the table. Happy cooking!

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