Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, dirties only one pan, and delivers an explosion of creamy, cheesy, seafood-packed flavor! This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is not just a recipe—it's a weeknight dinner revolution that will transform your cooking experience. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave gourmet taste without the complicated preparation, this dish combines tender shrimp, silky orzo, and vibrant spinach in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein 1 pound of medium shrimp. Mince 3-4 garlic cloves. Grate 1 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese. Roughly chop 2 cups of fresh spinach.
- Heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the hot pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add
- 5 cups of orzo pasta to the pan. Stir to coat with oil and garlic, toasting slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth or water. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Fold in chopped spinach and cooked shrimp. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to wilt spinach and reheat shrimp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot directly from the pan, ensuring each serving has a good mix of shrimp, orzo, and spinach.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select medium-sized shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. Ensure they're properly deveined for the best texture.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
- Toast the Orzo: Taking an extra minute to toast the orzo in oil and garlic develops a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
- Use Warm Liquid: Adding warm chicken broth or water helps the orzo cook more evenly and reduces overall cooking time.
- Stir Occasionally: While cooking orzo, stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Control Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If too thin, let it simmer briefly to reduce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly grated Parmesan and just-chopped spinach for maximum flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
