Description
One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a delightful and creamy dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. This easy recipe features tender orzo pasta cooked to perfection with succulent shrimp, all brought together in a rich sauce made from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. With just the right amount of brightness from lemon and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your choice of vegetables or sides for a complete meal that satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup white grape juice (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil and butter for sautéing
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute.
- Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. If using white grape juice, pour it in now and let simmer for one minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth along with lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until most liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover the skillet and gently stir in the shrimp, ensuring they are mostly submerged among the orzo. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Finish by adding fresh lemon juice and parsley; adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg