One Pan Parmesan Orzo: Shockingly Easy, Delicious

Hey there, y’all! Max here, from my little Asheville kitchen. Let me tell you about something that’s been rockin’ my supper club lately: One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Another shrimp recipe?” But trust me, this ain’t just any shrimp dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even when the rest of the day’s been a total mess.

I whipped this up one crazy busy week, testing recipes for my cooking class, and needed something FAST. And WOW, did it deliver! This recipe combines all my favorite things: easy cleanup, bold flavors, and that cozy feeling you get from a home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes! I think my grandma would have approved–simple, delicious, and feeds a crowd.

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

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Reasons to Make This Recipe

Quick and Easy Dinner

Five minutes of prep, and then the oven does the rest! You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes. I mean, come on!

Minimal Cleanup

My favorite part! Everything cooks in one pan, so you won’t be stuck doing dishes all night. Hallelujah!

Delicious and Flavorful

The creamy parmesan sauce with the perfectly cooked shrimp and orzo? It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! So good!

Complete Meal

You’ve got your protein from the shrimp, your carbs from the orzo, and you can even toss in some veggies. It’s a whole balanced meal in one pan!

The Secret to Perfect One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, listen up! The key to this recipe is all about layering flavors and not overcooking that shrimp. Trust me, a few simple tricks make ALL the difference. Fresh garlic and good Parmesan are non-negotiable, y’all!

One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this magical One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Don’t skimp on quality here – it really makes a difference!

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I like to get the ones with the tails off to make it extra easy to eat!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil. Nothing fancy, just the regular stuff will do!
• 1 cup orzo pasta. It looks like rice, but it’s pasta!
• 2 cups chicken broth. This adds so much flavor, but vegetable broth works too if that’s what you’ve got!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is best, trust me on this one!
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds a pop of freshness and color!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a little kick!
• Salt and pepper to taste. Because, duh!

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

Okay, here’s the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp masterpiece in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up a little – cooking is all about experimenting!

Getting Started: Preparing the Shrimp

First things first, let’s get that shrimp ready! Toss those babies in the skillet with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Make sure they’re evenly coated – we want flavor in every bite!

Building the One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Now, add the orzo pasta and minced garlic to the skillet. Give it a good stir so the garlic gets all cozy with the shrimp. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure everything’s combined nicely. We want that orzo swimming in flavor! Bring it to a simmer on the stovetop before we move it to the oven – this gets things going and helps the orzo cook evenly, y’all!

Baking to Perfection

Alright, pop that skillet into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is cooked and the shrimp is pink and opaque. The liquid should be mostly absorbed, but don’t worry if there’s a little bit left – it’ll create a nice, creamy sauce. Careful when you take it out – that skillet will be HOT!

Finishing Touches

Take the skillet out of the oven and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The cheese will melt into a luscious, creamy sauce. Serve it up immediately, and watch everyone’s faces light up! My favorite part is that first bite – pure comfort food bliss!

Tips for the Best One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Want to take this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp to the next level? Here are a couple of my go-to tips for a truly amazing dish!

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of chicken broth? No sweat! Vegetable broth works just fine. And if you’re not a Parmesan fan (gasp!), try Pecorino Romano. It’s got a sharper, saltier flavor that’s pretty darn delicious too!

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

This is HUGE, y’all! Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and sad. Watch it carefully in the oven. As soon as it turns pink and opaque, it’s done! Trust me on this one!

Variations on One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is like a blank canvas – ready for your culinary masterpiece!

Adding Vegetables

Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Of course, you do! Spinach wilts in beautifully at the end. Or, try adding some zucchini or bell peppers when you add the orzo. Trust me, it’s a great way to get your greens!

Spice It Up

Feelin’ fiery? Add a pinch more of those red pepper flakes, or even a dash of cayenne pepper! For a different kind of heat, try using some chili garlic sauce. Just a little goes a long way, y’all!

Serving Suggestions for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is pretty darn amazing on its own, but if you want to make it a full-blown feast, I’ve got some ideas! A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, grab some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce – you won’t regret it!

FAQ: Your One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me about this amazing One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Don’t be shy, y’all – I’m here to help!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Sure thing! Just make sure you thaw it completely before you get started. And pat it dry with a paper towel – nobody wants soggy shrimp!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While I think orzo works best for this one pan shrimp orzo pasta recipe, you could try other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary!

How do I store leftovers?

Easy peasy! Just pop any leftover creamy parmesan shrimp orzo into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for a couple of days, and it’s just as yummy reheated!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Well, it’s always best served fresh, but you can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop your veggies, measure out your spices, and even peel the shrimp. That way, when it’s time to cook, you’re ready to rock and roll!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can totally make it gluten-free! Just swap out the regular orzo for gluten-free orzo. There are some great brands out there, so you won’t even miss the gluten!

Estimated Nutritional Information for One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Alright, y’all, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one serving of this glorious One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary based on the exact brands and amounts you use. But it’ll give you a general idea!

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

So, there you have it! Delicious AND (kinda) good for you! What’s not to love, right?

More Easy One-Pan Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re lovin’ this One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, then you’re my kinda cook! Stay tuned, darlin’, because I’m always experimenting with new one-pan wonders in my Asheville kitchen. I promise I’ll share ’em soon!

Rate This One Pan Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe!

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