This Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Dinner is a delightful mix of tender shrimp and creamy orzo pasta. Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
The cheesy, buttery flavor is so comforting that it’s hard to resist a second serving. I love how quick it is—perfect for busy weeknights when I want something tasty without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp gives this dish a satisfying bite. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen is a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw them properly in advance.
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is perfect for this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice as a substitute. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes amazing. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-grated cheese. Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth works well for vegetarians. Homemade broth can elevate the flavor even further if you have it!
How Do I Cook Perfect Orzo Without It Sticking?
Cooking orzo can be tricky if you want a creamy texture without clumps. Here’s the trick: make sure to stir it gently during cooking, and never cover the pan too tightly. This allows steam to escape and helps the orzo cook evenly.
- After toasting the orzo slightly with oil, add enough broth and keep stirring as it cooks.
- Cooking over medium-low heat helps prevent it from sticking together, so be patient!
- Once cooked, immediately add butter and cheese to keep the texture creamy.
This Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Dinner is a fantastic meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to customize and serve. Enjoy!
Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook this dish, making it a quick and easy meal ready in just 35 minutes!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp (seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning) and cook them until they turn pink and opaque—this should take about 2 minutes on each side. Once cooked, take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Toast the Orzo:
Next, add the orzo pasta to the pan. Stir it around to coat it in the garlic and oil, and lightly toast it for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a wonderful flavor to the orzo!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Now pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered for about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Make It Creamy:
Once the orzo is ready, stir in the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Mix it until the cheese is melted and the orzo becomes creamy and delicious.
6. Combine with Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together so the shrimp are warmed through and every bite has that fantastic flavor.
7. Season and Garnish:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Lastly, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finish!
8. Serve:
Serve your one pan parmesan shrimp orzo dinner warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy shrimp orzo made all in one pan!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo Pasta?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. If using rice, keep in mind that cooking times will vary—typically, rice will take longer to cook than orzo.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the orzo creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and the orzo separately. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp!
