Description
This one-pan Parmesan orzo with shrimp is a 25-minute Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner that combines juicy shrimp, creamy Parmesan orzo, and fresh spinach in one skillet for a quick, flavorful, and balanced meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 3 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1 tsp onion powder (or 1 small yellow onion, diced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Pour in chicken broth gradually, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
- Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Return shrimp to skillet, fold gently into orzo. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp—remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Toasting the orzo is essential for depth of flavor. Add more broth if orzo dries out before tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: shrimp orzo, one pan pasta, weeknight dinner, parmesan orzo, easy shrimp recipe