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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 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
