One Pan Parmesan Orzo Shrimp (Printable View)

Shrimp, orzo, and Parmesan in a creamy one-pan dish, finished with lemon and parsley for bright, savory flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound orzo pasta

→ Seafood

02 - 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Dairy

03 - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra for serving
04 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Produce

06 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 lemon, juiced and zested
09 - 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Pantry

10 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with more broth)
12 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
13 - 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
02 - Add orzo pasta to the skillet. Toast, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes. Pour in white wine, if using, and simmer 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Allow wine to reduce slightly, or proceed with extra broth if omitting wine.
03 - Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is al dente.
04 - Uncover skillet and gently stir in shrimp, distributing evenly and ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook.
05 - Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan and heavy cream, mixing until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
02 - Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat once just opaque.
03 - Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian base if omitting shrimp and using more vegetables.
04 - Serve immediately, as orzo will continue to absorb liquid and thicken as it sits.