Creamy One-Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: A Weeknight Wonder That Feels Fancy

When dinner needs to be quick but still feel luxurious, there’s one recipe I always turn to One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with garlicky, cheesy flavor, all while being impossibly easy to make. The best part? Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to savor your meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, at-home date nights, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

this Recipe

What Is One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

This dish combines tender orzo pasta cooked risotto-style in a flavorful broth and creamy parmesan sauce, topped with perfectly seasoned and seared shrimp. The shrimp are juicy with a crispy golden sear, while the orzo becomes rich, velvety, and infused with garlic, cheese, and herbs. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance all in one skillet.

Unlike risotto, which requires constant stirring, orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully, making it an ideal base for creamy dishes without the fuss.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

You’re going to love this dish for a lot of reasons:

• One-pan magic means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Ready in under 30 minutes ideal for weeknight meals.
• Creamy and cheesy without needing heavy cream.
• Balanced and satisfying: carbs, protein, flavor, and texture in one bowl.
• Restaurant-worthy presentation with zero stress.

It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet but is totally foolproof, even for beginner cooks.

How Does It Taste?

In a word: divine.

The orzo is rich and buttery, with a creamy, cheesy texture that wraps around each bite. The garlic and herbs infuse the dish with savory depth, while the shrimp add a briny, slightly smoky contrast thanks to a quick sear. The combination of textures from the tender pasta to the crisp-edged shrimp makes this dish as satisfying as it is indulgent.

Sprinkled with fresh herbs and a dash of black pepper, it’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Don’t be fooled by its creamy look this dish can be surprisingly nutritious:

• Shrimp: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in selenium, B12, and iodine.
• Orzo: A great source of energy and can be made with whole wheat for extra fiber.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds calcium and protein in small amounts.
• Garlic & herbs: Offer anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
• No heavy cream: You get the luscious texture using broth, cheese, and a little milk or butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Parmesan Orzo:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet with lid
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and oat or almond milk.
• Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or chopped asparagus at the end for extra nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a kick.
• Swap the Shrimp: Use scallops, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Twist: Add a touch of gouda or fontina for even creamier texture.

How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion & Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and a bit of oil, then cook the diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
4. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 1 minute. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Cheese & Milk: Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan and milk until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish & Serve: Return shrimp to the pan and stir gently. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

What to Serve With This Dish

This one-pan meal is complete on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
• White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Tips for Success

• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
• Toast the orzo to bring out a nutty flavor before adding broth.
• Use good Parmesan skip the shelf-stable shaker kind for best results.
• Watch the liquid: Orzo soaks up a lot of broth add a splash more if it gets too thick before it’s fully cooked.
• Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp: They cook fast! Pull them as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a C-shape.
• Using pre-grated Parmesan: It doesn’t melt as smoothly and can cause a gritty texture.
• Too little liquid: Orzo needs enough broth to stay creamy. Add broth gradually if needed.
• High heat at the end: Can cause the cheese to clump lower heat before adding dairy.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to bring back creaminess.
• Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy texture, but it can be done if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Technically yes, but cook time and liquid ratio will change—this recipe is designed for orzo.

Is this gluten-free?
Not as written. Use gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta as a substitute.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini all pair well here.

Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes, but just warm them briefly at the end—don’t overcook or they’ll turn rubbery.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg

(Based on 4 servings)

Conclusion

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, comforting, and minimal mess. It delivers restaurant-style taste in just 30 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or your family, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular on your menu rotation.

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August 17, 2025 by Melissa