Name: One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp – Quick & Flavorful Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Orzo Pasta 1 pound; Shrimp 1.5 pounds peeled and deveined; Chicken Broth 4 cups low-sodium; White Wine ½ cup optional; Yellow Onion 1 medium diced; Garlic 4 cloves minced; Parmesan Cheese 1 cup grated plus extra for serving; Heavy Cream ½ cup; Butter 2 tablespoons unsalted; Olive Oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin; Lemon 1 juiced and zested; Fresh Parsley ¼ cup chopped; Red Pepper Flakes ¼ teaspoon optional; Salt to taste; Black Pepper to taste

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Ever take a bite and *boom*—you’re on a beach with salty air and sunshine on your fork? That’s this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. It’s been blowing up on Pinterest for good reason. Easy, quick (30 mins!), and fancy-feeling without the fuss.

It’s a cozy One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp dish that warms the soul. Creamy orzo, juicy shrimp, a kiss of garlic. Stuff you probably already have lurking in the pantry. Like mom’s special, if mom had TikTok. Full details in the blog!

We learned to make this when we lived on the coast—tiny kitchen, open windows, lemon trees outside. I’ve made it dozens of times since. No fluff, no gadgets. Just smart, simple cooking. I tested a creamy twist too. You’ll love the secret!

Why This Recipe Works

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is the ultimate comfort food in less than 30 minutes. The orzo soaks up the savory chicken broth while turning irresistibly creamy thanks to the Parmesan and heavy cream. Juicy shrimp, sautéed to perfection, add a protein-packed punch, and a squeeze of lemon brings it all to life. It’s sophisticated enough for date night but easy enough to whip up on a Wednesday. 🥂

Pro Tip: Cooking everything in one pan isn’t just about fewer dishes (though, yay for that!). It helps keep all the flavors together, from the garlicky base to the buttery shrimp juices. Each bite is a flavor-packed hug! 🍴

What You’ll Need

Ready to make magic? You’ve likely got most of this in your kitchen. Shrimp, Parmesan, heavy cream, a few pantry staples, and fresh lemon juice are all you need to wow your taste buds. 🧄🦐

Organized flat lay of ingredients for Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp — Fresh ingredients for Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp – all lined up for a quick and flavorful dinner

Shrimp: Medium to large, peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry for the best sear.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish flavorful but not overly salty. Sub with veggie broth if you’re going meatless.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta is quick-cooking and dreamy for soaking up all the cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Note: Don’t skip freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better than pre-shredded, creating that silky, creamy sauce you love. 🧀

Step-by-Step Magic

Let’s break this down into easy, cozy steps. First, you’ll toast the orzo in a bit of olive oil. This quick step takes 2–3 minutes and gives the pasta a warm, nutty flavor. From there, add diced onion and garlic for an aromatic base. 🧅✨

Stir in chicken broth and let the orzo simmer for about 8–10 minutes. While it cooks, season the shrimp and sauté them separately with butter—this helps retain their juicy texture. Set them aside, toss the Parmesan and heavy cream into the orzo, and fold everything together. A sprinkle of lemon zest and parsley? Chef’s kiss. 🍋

Step	Time Required
Toast Orzo	2–3 minutes
Simmer with Broth	8–10 minutes
Sauté Shrimp	4–5 minutes

Fun Twists & Variations

This dish is a blank canvas for your kitchen creativity. Prefer a citrusy zing? Add lemon zest or stir in a splash more lemon juice. Swap the shrimp for cooked chicken or mushrooms if they’re more your vibe. 🐓🍄

Feeling adventurous? Crushed red pepper adds a little heat, while a handful of baby spinach folded in at the end makes it pop with color and freshness. You really can’t go wrong dressing this up (or down) for any occasion.

Original Ingredient	Substitute or Add-On	Flavor Impact
Shrimp	Chicken or Mushrooms	Heartier/Fresh Earthiness
Parmesan	Pecorino Romano	Bolder, Saltier

Serving and Storing

This one-pan wonder looks straight out of a cozy bistro when served. Plate it in shallow bowls and finish with more Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and an extra squeeze of lemon for that wow factor. Serve with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for balance. 🍞🥗

Leftovers? Pack them up in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to revive the dreamy texture—microwave or stovetop works great. Like all good things, it’s even better the next day.

🧠 Expert Insight: The Science Behind One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a perfect example of how combining starch, protein, and fat in one pot maximizes flavor while minimizing cleanup. The orzo absorbs the shrimp’s briny juices and Parmesan’s umami, creating a creamy texture without extra cream. It’s a smart strategy for quick, balanced meals.

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Why I Love This Dish

The first time I made One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, I almost burned the garlic—classic me! But the cheesy, garlicky orzo paired with juicy shrimp won everyone over, turning a kitchen mishap into a favorite weeknight meal. It’s simplicity and comfort in one pan, just like family dinners should be.

FAQs ( One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp )

How do I cook the shrimp for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

For tender and flavorful shrimp in your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, cook them just until pink and opaque—this usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Cooking shrimp right in the pan with the orzo infuses the whole dish with great taste. 🍤

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ahead of time?

Absolutely! One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp reheats beautifully, making it great for busy weeknights. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it nice and creamy. Perfect for meal prep with a tasty twist! 🕒

What can I substitute for Parmesan in the recipe?

If you’re out of Parmesan or prefer a different flavor, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work well in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. For a dairy-free twist, try nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy vibe going. Each option gives a unique spin while keeping the dish delicious! 🧀

Is One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is made from wheat, so this recipe isn’t gluten-free as is. But don’t worry! You can swap in a gluten-free pasta or even use quinoa for a tasty, gluten-free version of One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. It’s all about making it work for you! 🌾❌

How can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp more healthy?

To bump up the nutrition in One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, toss in extra veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Using low-sodium broth and reducing cheese slightly keeps it lighter without losing flavor. This way, you get a comforting dish that feels both wholesome and delicious! 🥦

Final Cozy Thoughts

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is your new go-to for effortless, comforting meals that feel like a warm hug. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s creamy, flavorful, and just the right kind of fancy for family dinners or a solo treat.

Want to switch it up? Try swapping shrimp for tender chicken or toss in some fresh spinach for a pop of green. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully with a splash of broth—a trick I picked up from my mom—keeping every bite tender and tasty.

Did this recipe remind you of your own kitchen stories or family favorites? Snap a pic or share your twist—I’d love to see how you make it yours. Let’s keep cooking, sharing, and filling our homes with that warm, homemade magic.