Description
This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy weeknight meal that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, onion, white wine, chicken broth, Parmesan, and cream. The dish is quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is bursting with bright flavors from fresh lemon juice and parsley, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 1 pound orzo pasta
Shrimp
- 1.5 pounds medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), optional
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Oils, Cheese, and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: 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 minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. This creates a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor. If using white wine, pour it in now, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the wine simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly, adding depth to the sauce.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is almost cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. The orzo should be al dente at this point.
- Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp, nestling them into the orzo. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked without being rubbery.
- Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, coating the orzo and shrimp beautifully.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The lemon juice brightens the rich sauce and the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. This meal is best enjoyed warm to appreciate its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality; pre-grated cheese often does not melt well.
- Toast the orzo before adding liquids to enhance its flavor and improve texture.
- Do not rinse the orzo after cooking; the released starch helps create a creamy sauce.
- Adjust chicken broth quantity as needed if the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly during cooking.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
- Partially make ahead by preparing through step 3 and refrigerate; reheat before adding shrimp and finishing sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- White wine is optional; substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan orzo shrimp, one pan meal, creamy shrimp pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian seafood recipe
