If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together effortlessly, let me introduce you to One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. This dish combines tender, juicy shrimp with creamy, cheesy orzo in a single skillet, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress guests, with each bite delivering a harmonious blend of bright lemon, savory Parmesan, and rich cream. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp plays a crucial role, from the creamy richness of Parmesan and heavy cream to the bright zing of lemon and fresh herbs. These simple but essential ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, beautiful texture, and inviting color all in one pan.

Orzo Pasta: 1 pound of this tiny, rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce, giving you a creamy base for the dish.
Shrimp: 1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined, offers a succulent, protein-packed bite that pairs perfectly with the orzo.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium broth ensure your orzo cooks tenderly while infusing savory depth.
White Wine: ½ cup (optional) adds a subtle acidity and complexity—choose a dry option like Sauvignon Blanc.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced, forms the aromatic base that gently sweetens as it cooks.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, bring that essential punch of flavor that beautifully complements shrimp and cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for serving, is the heart of the creamy, cheesy richness.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup adds luxurious velvety texture that coats each morsel of orzo and shrimp.
Butter: 2 tablespoons give a silky, rich base while sautéing the aromatics and shrimp.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil uplifts the flavors and keeps everything cooking smoothly.
Lemon: 1, juiced and zested, brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus notes.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, adds a vivid green pop of freshness and a lovely herbal contrast.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional) bring just a subtle heat that livens things up.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor component.

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, cooking just until fragrant—around a minute—being careful not to let the garlic burn. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish, releasing sweet and savory aromas that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Add Wine

Once the onions and garlic are perfectly fragrant, add the orzo pasta directly to the skillet. Toast it gently for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly—this enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and helps it better absorb the broth later. If you want that extra layer of depth, pour in the white wine now and give the pan a little stir to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly for about a minute before moving on.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Now it’s time to add the chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is just shy of tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Keeping it covered ensures every grain of orzo gets perfectly cooked with all those savory flavors soaking in.

Step 4: Add Shrimp and Finish Cooking

Uncover the pan and carefully fold in the shrimp. Nestle them into the orzo so they’re mostly submerged in the liquid, then cover again to allow the shrimp to cook through gently. This should take 3 to 5 minutes—your shrimp will be done when they’ve turned a beautiful opaque pink. Avoid overcooking or your shrimp will lose that tender bounce we all love.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. The residual warmth will create a luscious, creamy sauce as the cheese melts into the mixture. This moment transforms the dish into a decadently rich and velvety comfort meal.

Step 6: Brighten and Garnish

Finish by stirring in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. These ingredients bring a burst of brightness and a fresh herbal note that perfectly balance the richness of the cheese and cream. Give it a quick taste test and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and parsley for that restaurant-quality finish.

How to Serve One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Garnishes

To really elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top along with more fresh parsley. A few extra lemon zest flecks or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a touch of elegance and fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want a little extra, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in individual ramekins or shallow bowls topped with a sprig of parsley or thyme. You can also add a dusting of smoked paprika for color contrast or a few toasted pine nuts for added crunch and depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the orzo absorbs the sauce, the dish might thicken, so you may want to stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating to regain that creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the cream and cheese mixed in to preserve texture. Freeze the orzo and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, then stir in fresh Parmesan and cream after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the shrimp or the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is there a vegetarian version of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

You can easily swap out the shrimp for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish completely vegetarian while maintaining rich flavors.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block offers the best flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce, far outperforming pre-grated or powdered versions.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free orzo pasta or substitute with a similar small gluten-free pasta shape. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds only a subtle kick. You can easily omit them or increase the amount if you like more heat—this recipe is very adaptable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s simple to prepare yet incredibly impressive, One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is your new best friend. It’s creamy, comforting, and filled with fresh flavors that dance on your palate. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a highlight of your weeknight dinners or special occasion menus. Your taste buds will thank you!