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One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, onion, lemon, and fresh herbs, it’s a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together in a single skillet for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo and Broth

  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)

Shrimp and Aromatics

  • 1.5 pounds medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fats and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Fresh and Seasoning

  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 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, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt. This step develops the flavor base by sweetening the onions and mellowing the garlic.
  2. Add Orzo and Wine (Optional): Stir in the orzo pasta, toasting it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the white wine if using, allowing it to simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan and add acidity and depth. Let the wine reduce slightly before proceeding.
  3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Cook until the orzo is almost tender but still firm (al dente), and most of the liquid is absorbed, ensuring even cooking and flavor absorption.
  4. Add Shrimp and Cook: Uncover and gently stir in the shrimp, nestling them into the orzo so they are mostly submerged in the remaining liquid. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re perfectly cooked and tender without becoming rubbery.
  5. Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. The residual heat will blend the ingredients into a rich and velvety coating for the orzo and shrimp.
  6. Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. These fresh elements brighten the dish and provide a lively contrast to the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve Immediately: Plate the dish while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Use medium to large shrimp for best texture and ease of cooking.
  • If you prefer no alcohol, omit the white wine and substitute with additional chicken broth.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and are best when just pink and opaque.
  • Toast the orzo lightly before simmering to enhance its nutty flavor and texture.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred over pre-grated for best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit for a milder dish.
  • This dish is best served immediately as the sauce thickens as it cools.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan shrimp recipe, Parmesan orzo, creamy shrimp pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, skillet shrimp and pasta, lemon parsley shrimp, quick shrimp dish

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/one-pan-parmesan-orzo-with-shrimp-recipe/