This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the sea to your table. Cooking everything in one pan makes cleanup a breeze!
The juicy shrimp paired with rich parmesan creates a dreamy combination. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself after a long day. Who doesn’t love a quick meal with less mess? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is great for absorbing flavors. If you can’t find orzo, try using other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice for a different texture.
Large Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works too! Just make sure to thaw it properly. For a lighter option, you can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. You can use kale or Swiss chard instead. If you’re in a pinch, thawed frozen spinach is a great alternative, just drain it well.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a creamy texture. Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) would both work well. Fresh cheese tends to be more flavorful than pre-grated, so consider that if you can!
How Do I Achieve Creamy Orzo?
The secret to creamy orzo lies in the cooking process. Toasting the orzo briefly in the skillet enhances its flavor and helps with texture. Here’s how to do it:
- First, heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which is about 30 seconds.
- Then, toss in the orzo, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Pour in your broth and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer.
- Make sure to check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is key for creaminess!
Finally, when you mix in the Parmesan and butter after cooking, it will create a rich, creamy final dish you’ll love!
One Pan Parmesan Orzo With Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total. It includes around 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Toast the Orzo:
Add the orzo to the skillet and toast it for about 1-2 minutes. Stir it frequently to ensure it gets a nice golden color. This step adds great flavor!
4. Cook the Orzo:
Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Add the Spinach:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. It adds a nice color and nutrients!
6. Mix in Cheese and Butter:
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Combine with Shrimp:
Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. If you like, add the lemon juice for a little zing. Stir everything to ensure it’s mixed well.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your One Pan Parmesan Orzo With Shrimp immediately! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Follow the package instructions for the new pasta type, and adjust the broth accordingly if necessary.
What If I Can’t Find Large Shrimp?
No problem! You can use medium or even small shrimp instead. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller shrimp will cook faster—about 1-2 minutes per side should be enough. Make sure they’re thoroughly cooked until pink and opaque.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm gently on the stove to prevent the orzo from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the shrimp, then store the orzo and spinach mixture in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it and add the cooked shrimp for a quick meal!
