There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. I still remember the first time I made this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp—it came together so quickly, yet the flavors were rich, comforting, and absolutely memorable. I was having one of those busy weeknights, unsure of what to make, and I looked into my pantry and freezer for inspiration. I had orzo, some frozen shrimp, a bit of parmesan, and a handful of fresh herbs. That evening, I discovered a go-to recipe that’s now part of my regular rotation.
This dish brings together the elegance of seafood with the creamy richness of parmesan and the simplicity of orzo pasta—all in a single pan. The result? A comforting, flavorful meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a small group of friends, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Everything cooks in one pan, which not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze. The orzo becomes creamy as it cooks, soaking up all the flavor from the shrimp, garlic, and parmesan, creating a risotto-like texture without the hassle of constant stirring.
It’s also a well-balanced meal. You get protein from the shrimp, carbs from the orzo, and richness from the cheese—all harmoniously seasoned and brought together in a way that feels gourmet without being complicated. The aroma of garlic and herbs bubbling away in the pan makes your kitchen smell amazing, and the final dish looks beautiful served directly from the skillet.
Versatile
This recipe is extremely versatile. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken, turkey sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You can toss in spinach, peas, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to sneak in more veggies. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil elevate the flavor, but if you only have dried, that works too. It’s a perfect base to adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Affordable
Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is made with budget-friendly ingredients. Orzo is a pantry staple, and shrimp—especially when purchased frozen—is an economical seafood option. Parmesan adds depth without needing large quantities. A few fresh or dried herbs and some garlic bring the whole dish together in a flavorful, cost-effective way.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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Shrimp (peeled and deveined – fresh or frozen)
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Orzo pasta
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Fresh garlic cloves
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Olive oil or unsalted butter
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Chicken broth (or vegetable broth as an alternative)
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Grated parmesan cheese
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Lemon juice
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Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley or fresh basil for garnish
How to Prepare This Recipe
Creating this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is easier than you might think. From start to finish, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. The orzo cooks directly in the same pan with the broth, absorbing the garlic-infused flavors while becoming creamy and tender. The shrimp are added toward the end, allowing them to remain plump and juicy. Best of all, every step is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Set aside while you begin the orzo base.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Heat a drizzle of olive oil or a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (3 to 4 cloves) and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to prevent it from browning too quickly.
Step 3: Toast the orzo
Add one cup of orzo to the pan and stir to coat in the garlicky oil. Toast for 1–2 minutes, allowing the orzo to take on a light golden color. This step enhances the flavor and gives the final dish a subtle nuttiness.
Step 4: Add broth and cook
Pour in about 2½ cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the orzo to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Add the shrimp
Once the orzo is nearly done, nestle the shrimp into the pan and cover with a lid. Let them steam gently in the hot broth for 3–5 minutes, depending on size. Shrimp should be opaque and curled once cooked. Avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery.
Step 6: Stir in the parmesan
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in about ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The cheese melts into the orzo, creating a creamy, risotto-like texture.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. A touch of extra parmesan adds a salty finish. Serve hot directly from the pan for a cozy, family-style meal.
Quick and Easy
This recipe truly fits the definition of quick and easy. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or complicated ingredients. Everything is cooked in one pan, and the method is straightforward. There’s minimal chopping, no need to boil pasta separately, and cleanup is reduced to just one skillet. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re too tired to fuss with multiple dishes.
Customizable
This dish adapts beautifully to your preferences or dietary needs. Instead of shrimp, try using chicken breast, turkey bacon, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add baby spinach at the end for extra greens, or stir in peas halfway through cooking for sweetness and color. The parmesan can be replaced with a dairy-free cheese if you need a non-dairy version.
Even the seasoning can be customized—add chili flakes for a spicy kick, swap lemon juice for a splash of balsamic vinegar, or use thyme instead of oregano. The orzo soaks up flavors beautifully, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Popular with Many People
I’ve served this dish to friends, family, and even during casual dinner parties—and the response is always enthusiastic. People love the creamy texture, the balanced flavors, and the fact that it feels like comfort food without being heavy. Shrimp fans appreciate how the seafood shines without being overpowered, and pasta lovers adore the orzo’s soft, delicate texture. It’s the kind of dish that pleases a crowd, yet is easy enough to cook solo on a regular weeknight. Whether served as a main course or a generous side, it’s always a hit.
PrintOne Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shrimp with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal cooked entirely in one pan, ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without fuss.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Thaw and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo to the pan and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
- Add shrimp to the pan, cover, and cook for 3–5 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
Use low-sodium broth if you want to control salt levels.
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or your favorite vegetables.
Adding fresh herbs brightens the flavor but is optional.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just be sure to thaw them completely under cold running water and pat dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavors.
Q: What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is a great alternative and keeps the dish flavorful. You can also use homemade broth or even water with added seasoning, but broth adds the best depth.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh to maintain the creamy texture and tender shrimp. However, you can prepare the orzo base in advance and reheat gently, adding cooked shrimp just before serving.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it fully dairy-free.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add red chili flakes while sautéing the garlic or sprinkle them on top before serving to add a mild heat.