One Pan Parmesan Orzo Shrimp

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp makes dinnertime feel effortless and elegant all at once. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying with minimal cleanup. On nights when I want both comfort and a bit of luxury, I come back to this dish again and again because it is creamy, fresh, and loaded with flavor in each bite.

Every time I make this, it is a hit at my table. The last time, my husband claimed the leftovers for his lunch before we even finished eating. That is how good it is.

Ingredients

• Orzo pasta one pound: Choose good quality orzo for a creamy texture that soaks up all the sauce
• Shrimp one and a half pounds: Make sure they are peeled deveined and patted dry for perfect browning
• Chicken broth four cups: Pick low sodium so you can control salt and get a deep savory flavor
• White wine half a cup optional: Use a dry wine for acidity or sub more broth if you like
• Yellow onion one medium: Diced onion starts the flavor off with mellow sweetness
• Garlic four cloves: Freshly minced for real depth and aroma
• Parmesan cheese one cup plus extra: Use fresh good quality Parmesan for the richest taste
• Heavy cream half a cup: A little makes the sauce luscious and coats everything beautifully
• Butter two tablespoons: Unsalted butter lets you adjust seasoning perfectly
• Olive oil two tablespoons: Extra virgin brings the best flavor base for sautéing
• Lemon one: Use both zest for fragrance and juice for brightness
• Fresh parsley quarter cup: Stirs in heaps of color and lifts the whole dish
• Red pepper flakes quarter teaspoon optional: Add a gentle heat or skip if you prefer
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go for perfect seasoning

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium. Add diced onion and cook five minutes until it softens and just starts to color. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for about a minute. The kitchen will smell amazing and the base flavors start to bloom.

Toast the Orzo and Deglaze:

Add orzo pasta directly to the pan and stir constantly for one to two minutes. Toasting the pasta brings out nutty notes and helps it stand up to the sauce. Pour in the white wine if using and scrape up all the little golden bits at the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce a bit so the pan is nearly dry.

Simmer with Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon zest salt and pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a boil then drop the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer ten to twelve minutes. The orzo will swell and soak up all that seasoned liquid becoming perfectly al dente.

Cook the Shrimp:

Uncover and gently stir in the shrimp tucking them into the orzo. Cover again and cook just three to five minutes. Watch the shrimp turn pink and opaque. That is when they are done and still tender.

Enrich the Sauce:

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the fresh Parmesan and heavy cream. The cheese melts into a creamy sauce. The hot orzo and gentle hand-stirring make sure everything blends together without clumping.

Finish and Serve:

Stir in the lemon juice and parsley right at the end for brightness. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Dish it up hot with a shower of extra Parmesan and a few more parsley leaves if you want.

Shrimp is always my favorite part and my kids love to help with adding the last squeeze of lemon. Making this for my family always brings memories of summer nights on the patio even when it is chilly outside.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. This dish will keep in the fridge up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creaminess. I find it freezes well in portioned containers but the pasta may soften slightly when thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian option. If you are out of heavy cream try half and half or even whole milk. No fresh parsley Use baby spinach or a sprinkle of chives instead. For the shrimp swap in scallops or chunks of chicken if you want more variety.

Serving Suggestions

This orzo is a meal by itself but it also shines next to crisp green beans or asparagus. A squeeze more lemon on top before serving brightens it up even more. When I have friends over I put out extra Parmesan and a big bowl of arugula salad for a complete spread.

Cultural Context

Orzo brings a Mediterranean feel to the table and this style of cooking is all about making the most of simple ingredients. Shrimp and lemon are classic partners that echo flavors from the coastal cities of Italy and Greece. Creamy orzo dishes are a favorite when I want something comforting yet a bit special.

Seasonal Adaptations

You can stir in peas or asparagus in spring Zucchini or fresh corn works great in summer Add wilted spinach or kale for an extra hearty winter meal

Success Stories

I first made this one pan shrimp orzo for a family Sunday but it quickly turned into my go to dish for last minute guests. After sharing it with friends for a weeknight dinner several asked for the recipe on the spot. One neighbor even brought her own Parmesan over the next time just to make it together in my kitchen.

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you plan to freeze divide into individual portions and cool fully before freezing. To reheat thaw overnight in the fridge and warm over gentle heat on the stove. Add a splash more broth and a fresh squeeze of lemon if you like.

Bringing this meal to your table could not be easier and it always feels like a treat. Every bite is creamy yet bright and I never get tired of the way lemon and shrimp lift this simple pasta to something crave worthy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for white wine?

You can use extra chicken or vegetable broth in place of white wine, still achieving delicious results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or your preferred vegetables and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

→ How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir orzo frequently while toasting and simmering, and keep enough liquid in the pan as it cooks.

→ What type of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, delivering the richest flavor and smoothest texture for the creamy sauce.