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Easy Shrimp Orzo Recipe: One Skillet Wonder for Busy Weeknights

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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  3. Pour in chicken broth gradually, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
  4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach. Cook 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
  6. 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.