Onepan Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Garlic Shrimp
Recipe Introduction
Ever stared into the fridge wondering what to conjure up? Me too! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with shrimp will be your new best friend.
It’s a flavour bomb, incredibly easy, and ready faster than you can say "dinner is served".
A Creamy Dream: What is One Pan Parmesan Orzo?
This delightful dish is inspired by Italian comfort food. It's basically creamy orzo pasta recipe perfection. It’s a simple, yet satisfying meal and takes about 40 minutes to whip up.
It yields four generous servings, perfect for family dinners.
From Italy to Your Kitchen
This isn't some ancient Italian family secret, though it tastes like it could be. One pot orzo pasta dishes are all about ease and deliciousness.
The Parmesan orzo with shrimp is cooked in one pan, keeping it simple!
Why You'll Love This Easy Orzo Recipes
Packed with protein from the shrimp and creamy richness from the parmesan, it's a comforting, yet relatively healthy option. This shrimp and orzo recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
It's also fancy enough to serve to guests.
One Pan Shrimp Orzo: Ingredients You Need
To make this amazing Garlic Shrimp Orzo One Pan , you'll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Health Benefits and Occasion
Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas don't have to be unhealthy. The Easy Homecooked Meals For 2 recipe is loaded with lean protein and calcium, giving you a nutrient packed, tasty meal.
This is great if you want a healthy and balanced meal! This one pan parmesan orzo is not only an easy orzo recipes , but also a crowd pleaser! I'd serve this on a busy weeknight, but honestly, any time is a good time for shrimp and pasta.
Get ready for a taste sensation that's both comforting and impressive. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need. This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with shrimp recipe is all about keeping it simple.
Less fuss, more flavour, you know? I swear, the first time I made this, I thought, "Could easy homecooked meals for 2 actually taste this good?" Spoiler: they can!
Main Ingredients: the Flavour Brigade
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). This is your starting line.
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined ( 450g ). Fresh is best. Look for firm shrimp with a slight sheen. If they smell fishy, skip 'em.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic, honestly.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a little kick.
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup ( 200g ). Tiny, rice shaped pasta.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). Low sodium is good.
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). This is where the creamy orzo pasta recipe happens.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus extra for serving ( 50g ). The real stuff, freshly grated. Trust me.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup chopped ( 10g ). Adds a pop of freshness.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon ( 15g ). For a touch of richness.
- Dry white wine: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ), optional . Adds depth.
Seasoning Notes: The Magic Dust
This is where you can play around. Salt and pepper are your foundation. The red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, but you can totally skip them if you're not into that.
A little pinch of dried oregano can work wonders, and if you're feeling fancy, a bay leaf added to the broth while simmering infuses the one pot orzo pasta with a subtle, herbal flavour.
If you’re looking for a substitute? a dash of Italian seasoning can be subbed in for parsley.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid
All you really need is a large skillet or Dutch oven. Like, a 12 inch diameter minimum. Measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, and a knife.
If you don't have a fancy garlic press, just mince it with your knife. Garlic shrimp orzo one pan is possible with basic cooking gear.
You can make this shrimp and orzo recipe like, anytime. It is so quick weeknight dinner ideas , right?
Cooking Method: One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Alright, let's dive into how to nail this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with . Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up! You know? It's perfect for those nights when you need quick weeknight dinner ideas .
We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavour.
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place , people! Get everything chopped and measured. It makes life easier, trust me.
- I like to peel and devein the shrimp first. I have often used the frozen shrimp available in the supermarkets.
- Got any seafood allergies? Make sure everyone knows!
Shrimp and Orzo: step-by-step
Here’s how we bring this beauty together:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Sauté 1 lb shrimp with 4 cloves minced garlic until pink, about 2- 3 minutes per side. Don't overcook; they'll get rubbery.
- Remove shrimp and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and toast for 1- 2 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth , bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12- 15 minutes , stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens.
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup Parmesan cheese . Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the shrimp back in and heat through.
- Garnish with ¼ cup parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve!
Pro Tips for Creamy Orzo Pasta Recipe
- Toast the orzo! This brings out a lovely nutty flavour that makes all the difference. A stat says that toasting pasta increases its flavour profile up to 30%.
- Watch the liquid! If it's drying out too quickly, add a splash more broth. You want that creamy, dreamy texture, not a sticky mess.
- If you want the Garlic Shrimp Orzo One Pan even more flavourful, add a splash of dry white wine after cooking the shrimp. Oh my gosh! It elevates the dish.
So, give this recipe a go. It might just become one of your favourite easy homecooked meals for 2 or 4 or maybe more! The recipe for One Pan Shrimp Orzo is pretty easy to scale to adjust to servings.
Get ready to enjoy an excellent Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp dinner. The Easy Orzo Recipes just become a weekly staple.
Recipe Notes: Making One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Magic Happen!
Alright, so you're ready to whip up some One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp . Brilliant choice! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your cooking experience even smoother than that creamy orzo itself.
Honestly, these are the little tweaks I've learned over time, and they make a huge difference.
Serving it Up!
- Plating like a Pro: Don't just chuck it in a bowl! Swirl that creamy orzo pasta recipe onto a plate. Then, arrange those juicy shrimp artfully on top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley for that chef's kiss moment. Looks amazing, right?
- Sides and Sips: A crisp green salad is a winner. Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce? Oh, yes . And a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Now we're talking!
Storage Sorted
- Fridge Frenzy: Got leftovers? Let the Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Fun (Maybe): Freezing isn't ideal, as the cream sauce can separate. But in a pinch, it's doable! Just expect a slight change in texture.
- Reheating Routines: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but stir often!
Tweak it!
- Veggie Vibes: Ditching the shrimp? No problem! Toss in some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. A One Pot Orzo Pasta can be meat free, you know?
- Spice it Up: Feeling fiery? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Boom!
The Good Stuff
Okay, let's talk nutrition. Each serving of this Shrimp and Orzo Recipe clocks in around 450 calories (give or take).
You're getting a good dose of protein (around 35g) and healthy fats (about 20g).
This isn't just comfort food. Parmesan is a good source of calcium. Shrimp brings in selenium. And it's all a great source of energy to fuel you for your next adventure, maybe even trying other easy orzo recipes.
Listen, cooking Garlic Shrimp Orzo One Pan should be fun! Don't stress too much. These are just a few tips to help you along the way.
So, get in the kitchen, get cooking, and enjoy! You've got this! Now you can have new quick weeknight dinner ideas , and maybe you will be making it for your friends.
Remember I am sharing easy homecooked meals for 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ahead of time?
While this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is best served immediately, you can prep some components in advance. Cook the shrimp ahead of time and store it separately. Also, you can measure out all your ingredients.
When you're ready to eat, simply follow the recipe, adding the shrimp back in at the end to heat through. Keep in mind the orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Think of it like a good cuppa best enjoyed fresh!
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp in this One Pan Parmesan Orzo?
Absolutely! If shrimp isn't your cup of tea, chicken or Italian sausage work beautifully in this dish. Cube the chicken and saute it like the shrimp, or brown the sausage and slice it before adding it back to the orzo. You could even use white beans for a vegetarian twist, or leftover roasted salmon!
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and delicious.
How do I store leftovers of this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as the orzo will continue to absorb the liquid. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Don't expect it to be exactly like the fresh dish, but still tasty!
Can I make this One Pan Parmesan Orzo vegetarian?
Yes, definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and add in some vegetables. Sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions. You could even add some roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian. It's your kitchen, your rules get creative!
Is there anything I can add to make this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Garlic Shrimp extra flavorful?
Oh, absolutely! A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a lovely zing. Sun-dried tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts will add a deeper richness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
And, because you deserve it, consider grating some fresh nutmeg over the dish just before serving for a hint of warmth and elegance. Think of it as adding a little je ne sais quoi!
I don't have heavy cream. Can I substitute something else in this One Pan Parmesan Orzo?
No worries, we've all been there! While heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, you can substitute with half and-half or whole milk. The sauce won't be quite as decadent, but it will still be delicious. You could also try adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone for extra creaminess.
Just remember to stir it in well to avoid any lumps. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all!
Onepan Creamy Parmesan Orzo With Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
