This Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo is a tasty dish that brings shrimp and orzo together with creamy parmesan goodness. Plus, everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this meal. Just toss it all in, watch the magic happen, and enjoy! It’s a hit every time, and my family always asks for more. 💙
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp work best for this dish, but you can use frozen shrimp as well. Just make sure to thaw them first. If you’re not a shrimp fan, feel free to swap it with diced chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Orzo: This tiny pasta adds a lovely texture. If you can’t find orzo, you can substitute it with rice or any small pasta, like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Chicken Broth: For a lighter option, vegetable broth is a great substitute, especially if you’re making this dish vegetarian. Homemade broth can also elevate the flavor if you have it on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Orzo Perfectly?
Cooking orzo can be tricky since it’s small and can stick together. Here’s how to achieve a perfect texture:
- Always cook orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water or broth to allow it to move freely.
- Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent clumping, especially in the first few minutes.
- Cook until just al dente; orzo will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from heat.
- Drain any excess liquid, but for this recipe, you want the orzo to soak up the broth instead of draining it!
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your orzo is cooked just right, making your one-pan meal creamy and delicious!
Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach leaves (fresh)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pan meal takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes sautéing the shrimp, then just let the orzo simmer away while you relax. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring it around to coat it with the oil and garlic. Then, pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Add Creaminess:
After 10 minutes, check the orzo. If it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese is fully melted. This is where it gets creamy and delicious!
5. Mix in the Shrimp:
Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Mix everything well and heat through for another 1-2 minutes to make sure everything is nice and warm.
6. Season and Serve:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. For a little zing, serve with lemon wedges on the side—it enhances the flavors beautifully!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful one-pan Parmesan shrimp orzo! It’s sure to be a new favorite!
FAQ for Easy One Pan Parmesan Shrimp Orzo
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for a quicker option. Pat them dry before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Substitute the Orzo with Another Pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly based on the pasta or rice you choose.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Orzo?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a splash of broth or water to help bring back the creaminess and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture. Chickpeas also make a great protein substitute!
