One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

A Flavor Explosion in a Pan

Ever dreamt of a dinner that’s not just a meal but an experience? Imagine succulent shrimp hugging creamy orzo, infused with garlicky goodness and salty Parmesan—yum! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that’ll have you asking for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it only takes one pan and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should this dish be on your dinner rotation? Let me drop a few delicious reasons:

• Easy Cleanup: Who wants to spend an hour cleaning up dishes? This one-pan wonder keeps your kitchen tidy while you enjoy a fantastic meal. 🎉
• Quick to Prepare: You can go from zero to feast in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want something hearty but don’t want to miss your favorite show.
• Family-Friendly: It’s cheesy, flavorful, and packed with shrimp—what’s not to love? Little ones and grown-ups alike will gobble it down!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp (Overview)

Let’s break it down: you’ll sauté garlic, cook the shrimp, toast the orzo, simmer everything together, and finish it off with melty cheese and spinach. It’s like a dance party in your skillet! 🎶

Pro Tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor!

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This dish shines best when you serve it right out of the pan. Imagine the cheesy orzo glistening under a sprinkle of parsley, vibrant green spinach peeking through, and that succulent shrimp popping with color. For a delightful crunch, pair it with a side salad featuring crispy greens and a zesty vinaigrette. This way, you get a perfect balance of textures and flavors—heavenly!

How to Store One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Got leftovers? No worries! This beauty keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just be sure to stash it in an airtight container. When ready to reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Yum!

Tips to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

• Timing is Key: Make sure your shrimp are cooked just right—overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp.
• Ingredient Swaps: Swap the shrimp for chicken or mushrooms for a twist. 🌿
• Texture Tips: If you like a bit of a bite, try undercooking the orzo slightly; it’ll absorb more broth as it sits.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness or swap the spinach for kale for a heartier green. Want it vegan? Use a plant-based butter and skip the cheese—nutritional yeast gives a lovely cheesy flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare the orzo and shrimp, but don’t combine them until you’re ready to serve. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of shrimp?
Chicken or tofu are both great substitutes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! It freezes beautifully; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a quick, flavorful meal that combines succulent shrimp, creamy orzo, and garlicky goodness—all in one pan!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is best served right out of the pan. For a delightful crunch, pair it with a side salad featuring crispy greens and a zesty vinaigrette. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen in an airtight container.