Description
One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender orzo pasta and succulent shrimp, all cooked in one convenient skillet. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice creates a delightful sauce that envelops the orzo, making it a comforting meal everyone will love. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet dinner on the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo pasta
- 1.5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup white apple vinegar (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes for another minute.
- Stir in orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes. If using white apple vinegar, add it now and simmer briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth along with lemon zest, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Uncover the skillet and gently stir in shrimp until submerged in liquid; cover again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink.
- Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until melted.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider using more heavy cream based on your preference. Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or turkey for different protein options. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini.