One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a quick and delicious meal that combines creamy, cheesy orzo with tender shrimp in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Step 2: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. If using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. The orzo should be al dente.
4. Step 4: Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version (omit shrimp or substitute with sautéed mushrooms).
• Toast the orzo carefully to avoid burning—stir constantly for an even nutty flavor.
• For extra brightness, add a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving.
• If you prefer less creaminess, reduce or omit the heavy cream, adding a splash of broth instead.
• Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken pieces for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and texture.

Is white wine necessary for the flavor?

No, white wine adds depth and acidity but can be substituted with extra chicken broth if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and nutty orzo pasta cooked in a savory chicken broth infused with garlic, onion, white wine, and lemon. Finished with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh parsley, it’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo Pasta

• 1 pound orzo pasta

Shrimp

• 1.5 pounds medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Liquids

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

Cheese & Herbs

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

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.
2. Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor. If using white wine, pour it in and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover and gently stir in shrimp, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
5. Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful one-pan meal warm for the best experience.

Notes

• Use thawed and patted dry shrimp for optimal browning and texture.
• Substitute vegetable broth and omit shrimp to make this a vegetarian dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for a mild flavor.
• For a wine-free version, replace wine with extra chicken broth without sacrificing moisture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly improves creaminess and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; remove from heat as soon as shrimp turn pink and opaque.
• This dish is best served immediately but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Parmesan orzo shrimp, one pan pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, Italian shrimp recipe, easy stovetop shrimp dinner