The Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy orzo pasta paired perfectly with tender, garlicky shrimp. This dish bursts with fresh lemon zest and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes, making each bite a vibrant experience. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With comforting textures and bright flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance in this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe. Each element plays an essential role, from the silky orzo to the sharp bite of Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s rich yet light.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For sautéing shrimp and garlic, adding a smooth richness.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides a tender, protein-packed centerpiece.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory punch that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Helps create a delicious sauce with depth and acidity.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory liquid to cook the orzo and enrich the sauce.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, creamy goodness that makes this meal irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and smooth texture to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon): Injects zesty brightness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Provides an aromatic citrus boost.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Offers a fresh herbal finish and vibrant color.
How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to get it al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, so it won’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce later. Once done, drain the orzo and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Cooking shrimp this way locks in their natural juiciness and flavor. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the pan and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step releases the garlic’s fragrance and warms the red pepper flakes, giving the dish a subtle heat that complements the creamy orzo and shrimp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Carefully pour in the white wine, letting it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly reduces. This reduction concentrates the wine’s flavor and adds acidity to balance the richness ahead. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then add in the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, butter, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together, coating the shrimp in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through without overcooking. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the dish to add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Serve Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic choice that adds delightful bursts of color and brightness. For extra zest, sprinkle a little more lemon zest or even a few shaved Parmesan curls on top. A light drizzle of olive oil right before serving can add a glossy finish and enhance the flavor.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette works well too if you want to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, you can serve the orzo in shallow bowls and arrange the shrimp on top artistically. Garnish each plate with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-style touch. Another fun idea is to serve this dish family-style in a large skillet, inviting everyone to gather around and dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, but be sure not to keep it too long as shrimp can become rubbery.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp, freezing is not recommended for this dish. The texture of both the pasta and shrimp will suffer once thawed, which can compromise the overall enjoyment.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring as it can lead to uneven heating and rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
What type of white wine works best here?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully in this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe, adding bright acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the shrimp and boost the flavor with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap the orzo pasta with gluten-free orzo or a similar rice-shaped gluten-free pasta. Ensure all broths and ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Try stirring in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They add freshness, color, and extra nutrients that complement the creamy orzo beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe is the kind of meal that feels cozy and special all at once. Its creamy texture, bright lemon notes, and perfectly cooked shrimp come together in a way that’s both simple and magnificent. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to or a stunning dish to impress guests with ease.
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Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This creamy Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, tossed with al dente orzo pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a bright splash of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired plate.
Ingredients
Orzo and Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Flavorings and Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Begin by cooking the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep it ready for mixing.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic and spices: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine carefully and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.
- Add broth and bring to boil: Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, creating a flavorful base for the orzo.
- Combine orzo and cheese: Add the cooked orzo, Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well until the butter melts and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the orzo evenly.
- Return the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if monitoring salt intake.
- Substitute white wine with additional chicken broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if frozen before cooking for even cooking.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
