One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: Shockingly Easy

Okay, friends, let’s talk about dinner. Specifically, let’s talk about a dinner that’s so easy, so delicious, and so darn quick that it’ll become a weeknight staple. I’m talking about One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! Yep, you heard right – one pan. Less dishes? Sign me up!

This recipe is a lifesaver, trust me. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this gem comes in. The magic of this dish? Everything cooks together in one pan, infusing the orzo with the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and juicy shrimp. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes. Seriously, what’s not to love?

I’ve been making this for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. Even my picky eaters gobble it up! I even came up with this recipe myself after a particularly busy week. I needed something fast, flavorful, and required minimal cleanup. And that’s how my famous One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp was born! Get ready to add this to your regular rotation. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Seriously, where do I even start? This recipe is just *amazing*. Here’s why you’re going to be obsessed:

• Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes!
• Easy Clean-Up: One pan = less washing up. Hallelujah!
• Flavorful: Parmesan, garlic, and juicy shrimp… Need I say more?
• Customizable: Throw in your favorite veggies, swap out the cheese – make it your own!
• Weeknight-Friendly: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner, fast.

Ingredients for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, please!), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of orzo pasta, 2 cups of chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to), ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (the *real* stuff, not the powdery kind!), ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves of minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but I highly recommend!), and salt and pepper to taste. Got it all? Let’s cook!

How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, listen up! This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry, it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in no time!

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic. Grab your large skillet (the one that’s about 12 inches is perfect). Pop it on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in your minced garlic and those red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Cook for about 30 seconds, until you can *really* smell the garlic. Mmm, that’s the good stuff!

Step 2: Toast the Orzo. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This toasts the orzo a little and gives it a nutty flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Step 3: Simmer Time! Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be *almost* tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Don’t peek too much! You’ll let the steam escape.

Step 4: Shrimp Ahoy! Now, gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out evenly. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want to overcook the shrimp or they’ll get rubbery. Yuck!

Step 5: Parmesan Power! Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The Parmesan will melt into a creamy sauce that coats the orzo and shrimp. This is what we’re here for!

Step 6: Serve Immediately! That’s it! Your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is ready to devour. Serve it up right away while it’s hot and creamy. Get ready for some serious yumminess!

Tips for the Best One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Want to take your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are my top tips for guaranteed deliciousness:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! Seriously, this is key. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and sad. Cook them just until they’re pink and opaque. They’ll continue to cook a little from the residual heat, so err on the side of slightly undercooked.

Stir Occasionally. While the orzo is simmering, give it a stir every now and then to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Nobody wants burnt orzo!

Taste and Adjust! Before serving, give your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp a taste and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese if needed. Make it perfect for *your* taste buds!

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! The best part about this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is how easy it is to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Spinach, asparagus, peas, sun-dried tomatoes – they all work great. Just toss them in with the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. How about different cheeses? Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a little goat cheese would be delicious. Or, if you’re not a shrimp fan (gasp!), try chicken, sausage, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. See? So easy!

Serving Suggestions for Your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, so you’ve got your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ready to go. But what do you serve with it? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is *always* a winner. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Trust me, you’ll want to get every last drop!

Storing and Reheating One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. To reheat, just microwave it for a minute or two, or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth. Just don’t overheat it, or the shrimp will get tough!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Got burning questions about my famous One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few FAQs to help you make the *perfect* dish every time:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a lifesaver. Just make sure it’s fully thawed *before* you add it to the skillet. I usually put it in a colander and run cold water over it for a few minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels, too – you don’t want extra water diluting that delicious sauce!

What other vegetables can I add to One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

Oh, the possibilities! Seriously, almost any veggie works. Spinach and asparagus are my go-to’s because they cook quickly. But you could also try peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking, along with the shrimp. Get creative and use what you have on hand!

Can I make One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp ahead of time?

You *can*, but I don’t recommend it. It’s definitely best served fresh, right after you make it. The orzo tends to soak up all the sauce as it sits, and the shrimp can get a little rubbery. If you *really* need to make it ahead, slightly undercook the orzo and shrimp, and add a splash of broth when you reheat it. But honestly, it’s so quick to make, you’re better off just whipping it up right before dinner!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, a quick note about nutrition info: The nutritional information provided is just an estimate, folks! It’s based on the ingredients and brands I use, and it can vary depending on what *you* use. So, it’s not an exact science, okay? It’s just a general guide. If you need super precise numbers, consult a registered dietitian or use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. Got it? Great!

Enjoy Your Delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp!

And there you have it! I hope you love this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp as much as my family does. If you try it, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media – I’d love to see them!

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