why make this recipe
One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a simple and delicious dish that combines pasta and seafood into a creamy, flavorful meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe allows all ingredients to cook together in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy. The creamy sauce and tender shrimp create a delightful texture that everyone will love.
how to make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Ingredients :
- Orzo Pasta: 1 pound. This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a creamy texture in this one-pan dish. Look for good quality orzo for the best results.
- Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best, providing a satisfying bite. Ensure they are thawed if frozen and patted dry before cooking for optimal browning.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. It provides the liquid base for cooking the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option.
- White Wine: ½ cup (optional). Dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, adds depth and acidity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced. Onion forms the aromatic base of the dish, adding sweetness and complexity as it cooks down.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for flavor, complementing the shrimp and Parmesan beautifully. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best aroma and taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to the creamy, cheesy sauce. Use good quality Parmesan for the richest flavor.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup. Heavy cream adds richness and luxuriousness to the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the orzo and shrimp perfectly.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and helps to create a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics and shrimp. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds a healthy fat component to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits.
- Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan and cream. Lemon zest adds an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It also provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
Directions :
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. This step builds the flavorful foundation of the dish.
Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is almost cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp. Nestle the shrimp amongst the orzo, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the remaining liquid. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is 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 cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it is warm and creamy.
how to serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet. You can garnish it with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a nice touch. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
how to store One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
tips to make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight if using.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque.
- Experiment with different vegetables, like spinach or peas, by adding them towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
variation
You can replace shrimp with cooked chicken or other seafood like scallops or lobster. For a vegetarian option, omit the shrimp and use additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Orzo Pasta Look for good quality orzo for the best results.
- 1.5 pounds Shrimp, peeled and deveined Ensure they are thawed if frozen and patted dry before cooking.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium is recommended; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- ½ cup White Wine (optional) Dry white wine adds depth; substitute with extra chicken broth if omitted.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced Adds sweetness and complexity.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic is preferred.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Use good quality Parmesan for rich flavor.
- ½ cup Heavy Cream Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted to control saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended for flavor.
- 1 each Lemon, juiced and zested Brightens the flavors.
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped Adds freshness to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Adjust based on spice preference.
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Cooking Orzo
- Add orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmering
- 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.
Adding Shrimp
- Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp. Nestle the shrimp amongst the orzo, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until creamy and smooth.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning if needed.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Best enjoyed immediately.