One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

The One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy, garlicky dream come true for seafood lovers. This dish combines juicy shrimp, tender orzo, and a rich Parmesan sauce for a satisfying meal that feels fancy but is totally doable on a weeknight.

With minimal cleanup and major flavor, this recipe is a go-to for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and cheese makes this dish cozy, zesty, and unforgettable. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup (200g) orzo
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute. Add white wine (if using) and deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix well and let cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
Return the shrimp to the skillet, squeeze in lemon juice, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4

Overview of One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is the kind of meal that brings comfort and gourmet elegance together in a single skillet. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with rich flavors, yet surprisingly simple to make. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a fast, fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. With juicy, tender shrimp seared to perfection and tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce alongside delicate orzo pasta, it’s a complete, soul-warming meal you can enjoy any day of the week.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but in its simplicity. Everything is cooked in one pan, which makes both the cooking process and cleanup quick and easy. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner in the kitchen, or just someone craving something creamy and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes.

Why This Dish Works

Shrimp and Parmesan are a match made in culinary heaven. Shrimp brings a subtle sweetness and brininess, while Parmesan delivers savory, nutty depth. When paired with creamy orzo — a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully — the result is luxurious but not overly heavy.

Cooking the orzo directly in the same skillet where the shrimp were seared enhances the dish even more. Those golden brown bits left from the shrimp add a layer of umami flavor to the base of the dish. The final touch of lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds brightness that balances everything out.

It’s a clever blend of textures, too. The shrimp remain tender and juicy, while the orzo stays creamy with just the right amount of bite. The combination is indulgent but fresh, and that’s why this recipe continues to be a favorite among home cooks.

Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions

Even though this dish feels elegant enough for a dinner party or date night, it’s also accessible enough for weeknight cooking. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal prep. No need to boil pasta in one pot and sauce in another — just one pan from start to finish.

For those nights when you’re too tired to cook but still want something homemade and hearty, this recipe saves the day. It’s also a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you need to impress a guest without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizations and Substitutions

One of the best things about One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is how customizable it is. If you don’t have shrimp on hand or want to switch things up, this recipe can be easily adapted:

Protein Swaps: Try using scallops, chunks of salmon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for olive oil and use a dairy-free cream and Parmesan alternative.
Gluten-Free: Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta shapes like short-grain rice or gluten-free orzo alternatives.
More Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

The creamy base is forgiving and pairs well with a wide range of flavors, so feel free to experiment.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and contains key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. It’s also low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy something rich without overindulging. Orzo, while technically a pasta, cooks quickly and is a good source of energy-boosting carbohydrates.

When you combine these ingredients with healthy fats from olive oil and the flavor-boosting benefits of garlic and onions, you’re getting a dish that’s well-rounded and satisfying. The addition of parsley and lemon juice adds a burst of freshness and even a touch of vitamin C.

If you’re trying to find balance in your meals without sacrificing taste, this recipe is a great place to start.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Shrimp and Orzo

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast — just 1 to 2 minutes per side is enough. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their natural sweetness.
Stir the orzo frequently: Like risotto, orzo tends to stick if left alone. Stir it regularly while it cooks to avoid sticking and to ensure a creamy texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan directly into the pan ensures a silky sauce.
Deglaze with wine: A splash of dry white wine adds complexity. It’s not essential, but it does add a restaurant-quality finish.
Finish with lemon and parsley: These final touches elevate the dish and bring a much-needed contrast to the richness of the Parmesan and cream.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this dish as is, and it’s completely satisfying on its own. But if you want to build it into a full spread, consider the following:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

This recipe also makes great leftovers, although the texture will thicken slightly once refrigerated. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead if needed:

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long as they can become rubbery.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the creamy sauce and delicate nature of the shrimp.

Why You’ll Love It

This One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp brings together the richness of comfort food with the brightness of Mediterranean flavors. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent yet fresh. It feels special but is incredibly easy to make, which is the ultimate combination for any home cook.

It’s also one of those meals that looks beautiful on the plate. With its creamy golden sauce, pink shrimp, and vibrant green parsley, it’s a visual treat as well as a delicious one. It hits all the marks: flavor, texture, appearance, and ease.

Conclusion

One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is the kind of dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s a culinary hug — creamy, comforting, and quick enough for even your busiest nights. It’s flexible enough to adapt to your dietary needs or pantry limitations, while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a romantic evening, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. With its perfect balance of flavors, simplicity in preparation, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, a handful of simple ingredients, and let this one-pan wonder work its magic.

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