One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Imagine tender, plump shrimp nestled in creamy, perfectly cooked orzo pasta with the nutty aroma of freshly grated Parmesan cheese rising from the pan. This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is Mediterranean comfort food at its finest—a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that come together in just one skillet. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and elegant results, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for good reason. The orzo pasta, which resembles rice but cooks to a deliciously creamy consistency, absorbs all the savory flavors from the broth while maintaining a satisfying al dente texture. The contrast between the tender shrimp with its subtle sweetness and the cheesy, garlicky pasta creates a mouthwatering combination in every bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its convenience—everything cooks in a single pan, allowing the flavors to build and meld together beautifully. The Parmesan cheese doesn’t just add flavor; it creates a silky, luxurious texture that elevates this simple parmesan shrimp pasta to restaurant quality. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without hours of cooking.

The versatility of this orzo shrimp dish means you can easily customize it to your preferences, adding vegetables or adjusting seasonings while still maintaining its delicious core character. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels sophisticated yet approachable for cooks of any skill level.

Ingredients

For this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ cups (300g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 3½ cups (830ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (or additional broth)
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 medium lemon)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The quality of your Parmesan matters—use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and melting properties. Fresh shrimp will yield the most tender results, but frozen (properly thawed) works perfectly too.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pan: For perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures the orzo cooks evenly and the liquid reduces properly, creating that creamy consistency without becoming too dry or soupy.

Timing Is Everything: The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is adding them at the right moment. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Add them during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking the orzo for tender, juicy results. You’ll know they’re done when they turn from translucent to opaque pink and curl into a loose “C” shape—if they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked.

Create Layered Flavor: Build flavor from the beginning by properly searing the shrimp first, then removing them while cooking the orzo. This creates a flavorful base as the pasta cooks in the same pan, absorbing those seafood notes. When adding the Parmesan, turn off the heat first and stir gradually to create a smooth, creamy sauce rather than a stringy or separated one. This technique is what transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious one-pot shrimp dinner.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they’re just starting to turn pink but not fully cooked through. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside. They’ll finish cooking when added back to the pan later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let the garlic burn. This aromatic foundation will infuse the entire dish with flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat in the garlic oil, toasting it lightly for about 1 minute. This quick toasting step adds a subtle nuttiness to your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these contain concentrated flavor. Let the wine reduce by half, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be nearly tender but still slightly firm.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the partially cooked shrimp to the pan, nestling them into the orzo. Cover and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the orzo is tender. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt everything into a creamy, luxurious sauce. Fold in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Let the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp into a Mediterranean feast by adding ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of (or in addition to) some of the Parmesan for a tangy twist that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Vegetable-Packed Version: For a more nutritious spin, incorporate 1 diced bell pepper and 1 medium zucchini (cut into quarters) when toasting the orzo. This adds vibrant color, texture, and nutritional value without compromising the dish’s signature creamy consistency. The vegetables will cook alongside the pasta, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Lemon Herb Variation: Double the lemon zest and add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves and 1 tablespoon fresh oregano along with the parsley for a bright, herb-forward version that highlights the natural flavors of the shrimp and brings a refreshing quality to the rich, creamy orzo pasta.

Storage and Serving

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

For an elegant presentation, serve this dish in shallow bowls garnished with additional Parmesan shavings, a twist of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal that balances the creamy pasta with fresh, peppery greens.

For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing, complementing the subtle seafood flavors without overwhelming them.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen shrimp are often pre-cleaned, which can save preparation time.

Is there a substitute for orzo pasta?
If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Alternatively, arborio rice can be used for a risotto-like texture, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. When reheating, add a splash of broth and a small pat of butter to refresh the creamy texture. The orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so this helps maintain the proper consistency.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, and substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter. You’ll still get a creamy, flavorful result.

What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with additional chicken broth and add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to provide the acidity that balances the dish.

Conclusion

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special occasions, yet remains simple enough for even novice cooks to master. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant quality results with minimal effort, proving that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless dirty dishes. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a requested favorite in your home!

Print