Name: Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 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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Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp is a dish that effortlessly melds comfort and sophistication. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, this delightful meal is not just a dinner option—it’s the centerpiece of any weeknight or special occasion! The small, tender orzo pasta dances in a luxurious sauce, bringing together the rich umami of Parmesan cheese with the sweet, succulent shrimp. Each bite is a reminder that effortless yet impressive meals really do exist.

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

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp for a small gathering of friends. As I plated the dish, I could see the curiosity in their eyes. One bite in, and it was like a flavorful symphony—each ingredient complementing the other. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress without causing stress, then I wholeheartedly invite you to try this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, shrimp, and Parmesan creates an explosion of flavors that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of the shrimp and parsley against the creamy orzo make it visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main course, or serve it as a delightful side dish during a dinner party.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt it to be gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup orzo pasta: This pasta shape is key for a creamy texture; it holds sauce beautifully. If you’re out of orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta like ditalini or couscous.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: This not only adds flavor but also helps to sauté the shrimp and aromatics beautifully.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are ideal for this recipe, but frozen shrimp can work too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatics that elevate the dish. Fresh is best, but minced garlic in a jar can work in a pinch.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): This adds a little kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
1/2 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio): The wine helps to deglaze the skillet, adding depth. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can use additional chicken broth.
1 cup chicken broth: This contributes to the overall taste of the dish. Use low-sodium broth for more control over the saltiness.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly into the orzo for a creamy, rich flavor. Pre-grated may not melt as well.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: To bring richness and creaminess to the dish.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon): Brightens up all the flavors and adds a fresh touch.
Zest of 1 lemon: Zest enriches the dish with aromatic oils, enhancing the lemon flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor perfect for garnishing.

How to Make Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp

Cook the orzo: Begin by cooking 1 cup of orzo pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.

Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season 1 pound of large shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic along with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning—a trick is to keep an eye on it because burnt garlic can taste bitter!

Deglaze with wine: Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly—this will enhance the dish with flavor and fragrance.

Add chicken broth: Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This step is essential because it not only adds depth but helps to create that creamy sauce when combined with the orzo.

Combine the ingredients: Stir in the cooked orzo, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix until the butter melts and all ingredients are combined, yielding that deliciously creamy consistency.

Return shrimp: Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Check that your shrimp are warm, and the sauce clings well to the orzo.

Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley before serving. The parsley not only looks enticing, but it also lends a fresh flavor to the final dish.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, first ensure it cools to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to thin out the sauce if necessary. This way, the flavors can rejuvenate, and you’ll enjoy the dish almost as much as the first time!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they only need a short time to become tender. They continue to cook a bit after being removed from the heat.
If you can, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best creamy consistency.
Be wary of adding too much salt early on; the Parmesan cheese and chicken broth contain salt. Adjust later if needed.
If your dish seems too thick after refrigerating, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to revive the creamy texture.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding veggies like spinach or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

This Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp blends simplicity with flavor in a way that’s deeply satisfying. The creamy richness, paired with the brightness from lemon and parsley, makes it one of those dishes you’ll turn to again and again. It’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in, and the best part? It’s quick to prepare, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy it with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients that you love. Bon appétit!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water.