One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor-packed punch. Creamy Parmesan and bright lemon dance together with juicy shrimp, all nestled in tender orzo that’s been simmered to perfection in a savory broth. From the very first spoonful, this one pan meal delivers indulgence with zero fuss.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to make the weekly rotation. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s the kind of comforting, creamy skillet dinner that turns a regular weeknight into a cozy culinary win.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound orzo pasta

• 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with broth)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Deglaze with white wine, if using. Simmer for 1 minute to reduce.

5. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

6. Stir in shrimp, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes, until shrimp turn pink.

7. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and heavy cream until creamy and smooth.

8. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and parsley garnish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: ~650 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: A Creamy Comfort Classic with Weeknight Ease

In today’s fast-paced world, the value of a delicious, home-cooked meal that doesn’t involve a sink full of dishes cannot be overstated. That’s precisely where the brilliance of the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp comes in a creamy, rich, flavor-packed dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, offering the kind of weeknight magic that’s worthy of both busy schedules and discerning palates.

This dish is an ideal harmony of textures and flavors. The orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, absorbs broth as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy base that doesn’t rely on heavy amounts of dairy. The addition of shrimp brings in a juicy, meaty bite that contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the pasta, while lemon zest and juice brighten every spoonful with a touch of freshness. Finished with Parmesan and a splash of cream, this meal is pure comfort food elegance no fuss, no frills, just fantastic flavor in one single pan.

The Charm of One-Pan Meals

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its minimalism in both effort and cleanup. One-pan or one-pot recipes have become the go-to for home cooks seeking hearty, wholesome meals without a lot of prep or dishes. The beauty of cooking everything in one skillet is that each ingredient has the opportunity to layer flavor on the next onions and garlic form the base, orzo is toasted for a nutty richness, the shrimp soaks in savory notes, and a final stir of cream and cheese ties it all together with luxurious consistency.

Beyond convenience, one-pan meals like this one encourage a relaxed cooking process. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots or time everything to perfection. Instead, it’s a gentle, flowing sequence where each step builds toward a cohesive, creamy final result.

Flavor Profile and Cooking Technique

What makes this dish stand out is how deeply flavorful it becomes using a fairly simple combination of ingredients. The technique is everything here.

The orzo is first toasted in the pan with aromatics like onion, garlic, and (optionally) red pepper flakes. This step, though subtle, is crucial it infuses the pasta with savory undertones and prevents it from becoming mushy. Then, as the orzo simmers in broth (with an optional splash of dry white wine for acidity), it releases starch and becomes silky and tender.

Adding shrimp near the end of the cooking process ensures they stay tender and juicy, while Parmesan and a bit of cream finish the sauce with just the right amount of indulgence. A squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of parsley at the end cuts through the richness, offering balance and brightness. Each bite is cheesy, garlicky, herby, and just a little zesty the kind of complexity that feels like it took hours, but didn’t.

A Dish That Welcomes Creativity

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for dietary preferences, experimenting with seasonal ingredients, or just using what’s in the fridge, One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp provides a sturdy, flexible base to make it your own.

Variations to Consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and instead add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes. A touch of smoked paprika or a vegetarian Parmesan alternative adds depth.

• Protein Swaps: Swap out shrimp for cooked chicken, scallops, or even chunks of Italian sausage for a different spin.

• Add-ins: Toss in a handful of frozen peas or fresh baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture.

• Cheese Lovers’ Version: Stir in a blend of cheeses try mozzarella for stretch, or goat cheese for tang.

• Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili powder for heat lovers.

This kind of flexibility is a big part of why this dish resonates so well with home cooks it provides a reliable framework that invites creativity without compromising ease or flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few complementary sides or beverages can round out the experience.

• Side Dishes: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess of the orzo. Roasted vegetables, especially asparagus or broccoli, are excellent options as well. Garlic bread or a simple baguette offers the perfect vessel for scooping up every bit of sauce.

• Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio especially if used in cooking matches the acidity of the lemon and cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, a light rosé also works well.

• Dessert: For a light finish, a citrus sorbet, lemon tart, or bowl of fresh berries keeps the meal feeling fresh and bright.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish also makes for excellent leftovers, which is another bonus for busy households or meal preppers.

Store any remaining orzo and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The orzo may thicken as it sits, so when reheating, simply add a splash of broth, water, or milk to loosen it back to its creamy texture.

Though shrimp can sometimes become rubbery when reheated, gently warming it on the stove over low heat with added liquid helps preserve its tenderness. For best results, you can even remove the shrimp before reheating the orzo and stir them back in at the end once warm.

Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

Let’s be honest there are thousands of pasta recipes out there. But what sets One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp apart is the combination of creamy comfort, weeknight simplicity, and fresh, vibrant flavor.

It’s a rare gem of a recipe that feels both indulgent and light, special and accessible. It’s not often that a single dish can serve as a cozy weeknight dinner, a romantic date night entrée, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to a casual dinner party. But this one does it all, and it does so with elegance and ease.

Conclusion

In the realm of quick and comforting meals, One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp hits all the high notes. It’s creamy, flavorful, satisfying, and refreshingly simple to prepare. The one pan method makes cleanup a breeze, and the flavor payoff is far greater than the effort required. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your journey in the kitchen, this dish is a rewarding go-to recipe that’s sure to impress.

It’s no surprise that this has become a favorite among food bloggers, home cooks, and busy families alike. If you’re looking for something deliciously different yet wonderfully familiar, creamy yet bright, hearty yet refined this dish is your next dinner hero. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation.