This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a creamy and cheesy delight that’s super easy to make. With tender shrimp and fluffy orzo, it’s a dish that warms the heart!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This tiny rice-shaped pasta is perfect for this dish. If you’re out of orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like couscous or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too—just make sure to thaw it before cooking. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can skip the shrimp and add more vegetables or white beans.
Broth: Chicken broth adds great depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is a wonderful alternative, especially for vegetarian or vegan diets. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought is convenient!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the dish. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a similar flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is fantastic for this dish, but kale or arugula could also be used. Frozen spinach works too—just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll get it just right! Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat, and always make sure your shrimp are properly thawed. Here’s how:
- Season shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and any herbs before cooking for extra flavor.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Once cooked, remove them immediately to avoid overcooking. They should be tender and juicy!
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
How to Make One Pan Parmesan Orzo With Shrimp?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner, making good use of just one pan for easy cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic and Cook the Shrimp:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Then, add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once they’re cooked through, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
2. Toast the Orzo:
In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for about 1 minute, stirring often to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn. This will give the orzo a nice flavor!
3. Cook the Orzo in Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo to be tender and absorb most of the liquid.
4. Add Spinach and Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped spinach and the cherry tomatoes (if you’re using them) to the orzo. Let this cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and everything is heated through.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir to combine. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your One Pan Parmesan Orzo With Shrimp hot! You can garnish it with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy this delightful dish with family or friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like couscous, small shells, or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use chicken breast or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Cook chicken pieces until they are no longer pink, and if using tofu, sauté until it’s golden on the outside. Adjust cooking times according to the protein you choose!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to help loosen the orzo and ensure it stays moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or peas would all work beautifully. Just add them in when you add the spinach to ensure they cook properly.
