Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, but it’s so simple and quick to whip up, you’ll be amazed! In just about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting dinner on the table that your whole family will love. The orzo pasta absorbs all the lovely flavors while the shrimp adds a delightful touch of sweetness, and of course, who can resist that rich, cheesy Parmesan topping? Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Prepare Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! I promise it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step, so you’ll be a pro in no time. Just follow my lead, and soon you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dish ready to impress!
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
First things first, grab a pot and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking—just a gentle sizzle! Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! Sauté that garlic for about 1 minute, just until it’s golden and fragrant. Careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can be bitter, and we don’t want that!
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: the orzo! Pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta and give it a good stir, letting it mingle with the garlic for about 2 minutes. This helps toast the orzo just a bit, enhancing that nutty flavor. Trust me, this step makes a difference!
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetable Broth
Next, it’s broth time! Carefully pour in those 2 cups of vegetable broth, and bring everything to a boil. You’ll want to watch it closely—it shouldn’t take long! Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Set your timer for 10-12 minutes; this is when the orzo will soak up all that delicious flavor and become tender. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Seasoning
Now, let’s add the shrimp! Once the orzo is cooked through, toss in 1 cup of peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the shrimp turns pink—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; once they’re pink, they’re done!
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley
Finally, the pièce de résistance! Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Oh wow, the creaminess is unreal! Make sure to serve it immediately for the best texture—there’s nothing like enjoying this dish while it’s hot and fresh. You’re going to want to dig in right away!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Using frozen shrimp is totally fine and can be a real time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking time may be a tad longer since they start out cold, so just ensure they turn pink and opaque before serving!
What can I substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, don’t worry! You can easily swap it out for other grains like rice or quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary a bit. For example, if you’re using regular rice, it might take around 15-20 minutes to get tender, while quinoa usually cooks in about 12-15 minutes. Just be sure to adjust the amount of broth depending on what you choose, as different grains absorb liquid at different rates!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers? Yes, please! To store any extra Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen it up. You want it to be just as creamy and delightful as when it was fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese and the natural sweetness of shrimp creates a rich, velvety dish that’s truly indulgent.
- Low Fat: This dish is a great option if you’re looking for something satisfying without all the extra calories—perfect for a guilt-free dinner!
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
- One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to relax after dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail this dish every single time:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Fresh shrimp have a sweeter flavor and a firmer texture that makes all the difference. If you do use frozen, just be sure to thaw them completely as mentioned earlier!
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy about tasting the dish as you cook! This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a little more zing, feel free to add a pinch more salt or even a squeeze of lemon juice!
- Stir Often: When cooking the orzo, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This helps ensure an even cook and keeps that creamy consistency intact!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! You can throw in some veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for added color and nutrition. Just toss them in with the shrimp to cook for a few extra minutes!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot! The creaminess of the Parmesan and the tenderness of the shrimp are at their peak right after cooking, so don’t wait too long to dig in.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of chili flakes on top before serving not only looks beautiful but also adds a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a delicious, creamy experience that’s sure to impress. Enjoy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp! While I always say the best part is the delicious flavor, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving of this creamy delight:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a fantastic balance of flavors and nutrition, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal experience even further! Here are some fantastic serving suggestions that pair beautifully with this creamy dish:
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy goodness on your plate!
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad works wonders to balance the richness of the orzo. I love a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette—fresh and zesty!
- Steamed Vegetables: Keep it healthy by serving some vibrant steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. They add color and nutrition to your meal!
- Roasted Tomatoes: Sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze can add a lovely burst of flavor and acidity that complements the dish beautifully.
- White Wine: If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and enhances the overall flavor.
- Grilled Lemon Wedges: Serve some grilled lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of brightness. A spritz of fresh lemon juice over the dish just before eating takes it to another level!
With these suggestions, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy your culinary creation and happy dining!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this incredible Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp, and now you have some leftovers? No worries! Storing and reheating this dish is super easy, and I’m here to guide you through it.
First, let the orzo cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent any funky fridge smells from seeping in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and love meal prepping, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. It should keep well for about 1-2 months.
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, here’s how to reheat them while keeping that creamy texture intact. If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply scoop out the desired amount and place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen it up and keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If you’ve frozen it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and then follow the same stovetop method. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but make sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed to your liking.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, your Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp will taste just as delicious the second time around. Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!
For tips on cooking shrimp, you can refer to this Seafood Watch guide for sustainable seafood choices.
Print
Parmesan Orzo with Shrimp: 5 Steps to Creamy Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring orzo pasta and shrimp, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add orzo and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking until shrimp turns pink.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Parmesan Orzo, Shrimp, Pasta