Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a delightful marriage of flavors that combines tender orzo pasta with succulent shrimp, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. The creamy texture, accentuated by freshly grated Parmesan cheese, brings out the best in this quick yet flavorful recipe. Every bite bursts with taste, and the hint of lemon brightens up the dish, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a stunning meal worthy of entertaining friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

I first stumbled upon this gem while looking for a dinner that wouldn’t take all evening to prep and cook. Rather than settling for takeout, I discovered that preparing a restaurant-quality dish at home can be quick, easy, and satisfying. Let’s just say this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp has become a favorite in my household, and it’s sure to win over your family and friends, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon creates a deliciously creamy experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of shrimp and parsley over the creamy orzo make for an impressive presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for sharing at a dinner party or a cozy family meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup orzo pasta – This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. For a gluten-free version, substitute with similarly sized gluten-free pasta.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the dish. You can substitute with avocado oil if needed.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them before cooking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your preference.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic adds intense flavor. Avoid pre-minced for the best taste.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional – A pinch adds a hint of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) – Wine deglazes the skillet and adds depth. Replace with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
1 cup chicken broth – Enhances the flavor of the orzo. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control salt levels.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts smoothly into the sauce, unlike pre-grated varieties.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter – This adds a rich creaminess. For dairy-free, substitute with a vegan butter alternative.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Bottled juice lacks the same punch.
1 lemon, zested – The zest brings a vibrant citrus flavor. Avoid skipping this step for maximum flavor!
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – A pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cook Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 cup of orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the 1 pound of shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.

Deglaze with Wine: Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, allowing it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to reduce the wine slightly and incorporate all those delicious bits stuck to the pan.

Combine Ingredients: Next, stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the cooked orzo, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together until the butter is melted and the mixture is creamy.

Finish with Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the dish to heat through completely.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess. Note that reheating may alter the texture slightly, but the flavors will still be delightful.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they cook quickly and will turn rubbery if left in the pan too long.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor; it makes all the difference.
For a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking.
Make this dish ahead of time—just reheat gently for easy entertaining.

This Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is all about delightful flavors, creamy textures, and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for any day of the week and sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional vegetables or spices to make it your own. Enjoy discovering how simple ingredients can create such an enjoyable meal!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a great time-saver. Just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for orzo?

If you can’t find orzo, try using other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure everything turns out perfectly.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter and cheese or substitute them with low-fat alternatives. You can also bulk it up with additional vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.

What should I serve with Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Enjoy your meal!

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Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Treat yourself to Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, a delightful dish brimming with flavor. Made with succulent shrimp, creamy orzo, and a hint of lemon, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
1/2 cup dry white wine sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
1 lemon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

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Instructions

Cook the orzo as per package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Carefully pour in white wine and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the cooked orzo, parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is creamy.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, use a good-quality dry white wine.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
You can substitute shrimp with chicken or vegetables if desired.