Devastating One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in 30 Mins

Okay, let me tell you, if you’re anything like me – always juggling a million things and craving a seriously tasty dinner without the mountain of dishes – then you NEED this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in your life. Seriously! I’m Riley, by the way, and around here, easy and delicious are my love languages. After a long day, the last thing I want is a complicated recipe. That’s why I’m so excited to share this gem, inspired by my granny’s knack for simple, flavorful meals. It’s a total game-changer!

Remember those nights when you’d just stare into the fridge, willing something magical to appear? Well, this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is pretty much kitchen magic. Tender orzo, juicy shrimp, and that salty, cheesy parmesan goodness all cooked together in ONE pan? You heard right. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, this is about to become a weeknight staple!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Seriously, where do I even begin? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver! Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Okay, let’s be real, weeknights are chaotic! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp comes together faster than you can say “takeout.” It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is a huge win in my book.

Minimal Cleanup with One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

My favorite part? One pan! Yes, you read that right. Everything cooks together in a single pan, which means less scrubbing and more time relaxing. Hallelujah!

Delicious and Flavorful One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Oh my goodness, the flavor! The creamy parmesan coats the perfectly cooked orzo and juicy shrimp. It’s like a party in your mouth with every single bite. So good!

Customizable to Your Tastes

Not a fan of shrimp? No problem! Swap it out for chicken or tofu. Wanna load it up with veggies? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own. I sometimes toss in some spinach or bell peppers – yum!

Complete and Balanced Meal

Protein, carbs, veggies – this dish has it all! It’s a complete meal in one pan, so you can feel good about serving it to your family on a busy weeknight. It’s hearty and satisfying!

Ingredients for Your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this masterpiece! Good ingredients are key, so try to grab the best you can. Here’s what you’ll need – trust me, it’s probably stuff you already have!

Key Ingredients for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

These are the superstars, the ones that make this dish sing!

Shrimp

You’ll want about a pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined. I usually go for medium-sized shrimp – they cook up quick and stay nice and juicy. Make sure they’re thawed if you’re using frozen!

Orzo Pasta

Just your standard dry orzo pasta – about a cup. It’s rice-shaped, which is why it cooks so evenly in one pan. Clever, right?

Parmesan Cheese

Okay, this is important: freshly grated parmesan is the way to go! It melts better and the flavor is just *chef’s kiss*. You’ll need about half a cup, but honestly, measure with your heart!

Other Essential Ingredients

Don’t forget these guys – they bring everything together!

Broth

Grab about 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Low sodium is always a good idea so you can control the saltiness yourself.

Garlic

Minced garlic – about 2 cloves. Or, you know, more if you’re a garlic fanatic like me. No judgement here!

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing. A couple of tablespoons should do the trick.

Vegetables

This is where you can get creative! I usually use about a cup of chopped veggies – zucchini, bell peppers, spinach… whatever makes you happy!

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and about a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Feel free to adjust to your taste!

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, so here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp on the table in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get everything prepped. Chop your veggies – zucchini, bell peppers, whatever you’re using. Mince that garlic. Measure out your orzo, broth, and parmesan. Having everything ready to go makes the whole process smoother, trust me.

Sauté Vegetables and Garlic

Grab your trusty one-pan (a large skillet or Dutch oven works great!) and heat up a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped veggies and sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it!

Add Orzo and Broth

Now, pour in that cup of orzo pasta and 3 cups of broth. Give it a good stir to make sure the orzo is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer – you’ll see little bubbles gently breaking the surface.

Cook the Orzo

Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. If it looks like it’s getting too dry, add a splash more broth. I usually stir every 5 minutes or so.

Add Shrimp and Parmesan

Now for the stars of the show! Add your shrimp to the pan, nestling them into the orzo. Sprinkle in that glorious freshly grated parmesan cheese. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque and the parmesan is melted and creamy. Ooh, it looks so good!

Season and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and give everything a good stir. Season with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your one-pan creation!

Tips for Perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Here are a few little tricks to make sure your dish is absolutely perfect!

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and sad. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque. It should still be a little bit tender. Remember, it’ll continue to cook a little from the residual heat even after you take it off the stove!

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Seriously, this makes a HUGE difference! Pre-shredded parmesan just doesn’t melt as well and the flavor isn’t as vibrant. Treat yourself to the good stuff – you deserve it!

Adjust Broth as Needed

If your orzo is looking a little dry before it’s fully cooked, don’t be afraid to add a splash more broth. You want it to be creamy and delicious, not dried out and sad. A little extra broth can go a long way!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, so maybe you’re not a shrimp person, or you’re missing an ingredient. No sweat! This recipe is super flexible. Let’s talk swaps!

Shrimp Substitutions

If shrimp isn’t your thing, no worries! Diced chicken works great – just make sure it’s cooked through. Tofu is another awesome option – press it first to get rid of extra moisture, then cube it and toss it in. You could even use some white beans for a vegetarian boost!

Orzo Pasta Alternatives

Out of orzo? Oops! You can totally use other small pasta shapes. Ditalini or small shells would be perfect. Just keep an eye on the cooking time – you might need to adjust it a bit depending on the pasta you choose. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early!

Vegetable Variations for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Get creative with your veggies! Zucchini and bell peppers are my go-to, but broccoli florets, peas, spinach, or even some sun-dried tomatoes would be amazing. Just toss ’em in with the other veggies and you’re good to go!

Cheese Options

Parmesan gives the dish that classic flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try Pecorino Romano! It’s got a bit more of a salty kick. Asiago is another great option – it’s nutty and delicious. Honestly, use whatever hard cheese you love!

Serving Suggestions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing, creamy One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ready to go! What next? Well, let’s make it a FEAST! Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level.

Side Dishes to Complement One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

A light, refreshing salad is always a winner! Think a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Or, some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? YES, please!

Garnishes for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Fresh herbs are your best friend! A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. And a squeeze of lemon juice? Seriously brightens everything up. Trust me!

Wine Pairings

If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp white wine pairs perfectly with this dish. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are both great choices. Cheers to that!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, and maybe – just maybe – you have some leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious!

How to Store Leftover One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Let the orzo cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s properly cooled before you refrigerate it, okay?

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop is my go-to! Add a splash of broth or water to the pan to keep it from drying out, and heat it over medium-low until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it – just nuke it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Easy peasy!

Freezing Instructions

Okay, so freezing isn’t my *favorite* for this dish, as the orzo can get a little mushy. But if you need to, go for it! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as usual. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the texture thing!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get about this amazing One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a lifesaver, especially on busy weeknights. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pan. I usually run it under cold water for a few minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking – this helps it get a nice sear and prevents it from getting rubbery. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp!

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?

Sticking can be a pain, but here’s the trick: stir it occasionally while it’s cooking! This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the orzo from clumping together and sticking to the bottom. Also, make sure you’re using enough broth – if it looks dry, add a splash more. I use a nonstick pan, just to be safe.

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

You sure can! It’s great for meal prepping. Just cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The orzo might soak up some of the sauce, so you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to keep it nice and creamy.

What other vegetables can I add to this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, broccoli, peas, asparagus… seriously, whatever you have on hand! I love adding a mix of colorful veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the other veggies and you’re good to go!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, quick note: I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist! The nutrition info can vary a lot depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, I can’t promise exact numbers, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

Alright, you did it! Time to dig in and enjoy your amazing One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! If you loved it as much as I do, please leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And hey, share it with your friends on social media – let’s spread the one-pan love!

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